Qualcomm acquires EPOS assets
Nov 18, 2012 (Menafn - Globes - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --Qualcomm Incorporated QCOM wholly-owned subsidiary Qualcomm Technologies Inc. has acquired certain assets of EPOS Development Ltd., a developer of ultrasound technologies for input solutions, including pen, stylus and gesture recognition. The acquisition is for an undisclosed amount. Qualcomm will integrate EPOS's technology with its Snapdragon processor, allowing unique and powerful next-generation user experiences for smartphones, tablets and e-readers.
EPOS, based in Hod Hasharon, has developed digital positioning technology that enables device manufacturers to integrate advanced user input capabilities into a wide range of consumer devices. EPOS has partnered with e-reader, media tablet, smartphone and television OEMs. Some EPOS team members will join Qualcomm Israel's R&D team to develop new capabilities for mobile devices and services.
EPOS CEO Oded Turbahn said, "Ultrasound technology provides device manufacturers a low-cost approach for integrating pen and stylus-based user interfaces into their products while gaining the benefit of a slew of new capabilities. Relative to other pen and stylus input solutions, the additional bill of material cost for the device is minimal as the technology does not require changes to the device's screen and is independent of screen size."
Qualcomm Technology SVP product management Raj Talluri said, "As computing evolves beyond the PC, consumers are looking for intuitive new ways to interact with their mobile devices. EPOS' technology goes beyond the PC-era mouse and keyboard and enables touch-free gesture and pen interactions as user input mechanisms. Enabling this technology on Qualcomm's Snapdragon processor will allow devices that accommodate a more mobile and multimedia-centric lifestyle."
This is Qualcomm's third acquisition in Israel. Earlier this year Qualcomm bought DesignArt Networks, which develops system-on-chip platforms to boost wireless data capacity in mobile networks, for 120-140 million, and last year Qualcomm acquired mobile web company iSkoot for 50-100 million.
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