Conexant unveils reference design for Bluetooth-enabled 'connected frames' for mobile phones

NEWPORT BEACH, USA: Conexant Systems Inc., a leading supplier of innovative semiconductor solutions for imaging, audio, embedded modem, and video surveillance applications, announced the availability of a new reference design for Bluetooth-enabled “connected frames” for mobile phones.

These products feature eight-inch LCD touch-screens and use Bluetooth technology to connect to a user’s mobile phone. Applications supported include wireless hands-free speakerphone, phone book synchronizing, and mobile phone and headset pairing.

The frames can also be used to wirelessly stream multimedia audio content from cell phones, and view and playback photos, audio, and video files in full- or split-screen mode. The reference design is based on Conexant’s CX92735 system-on-chip (SoC) imaging solution. The design package includes ready-to-manufacture schematics, bill-of-material requirements, a board layout, and turnkey, touchscreen-enabled software that allows manufacturers to quickly develop customized products.

“Our new reference design allows our customers to develop unique mobile connected frames that enable individuals to broaden the functionality of their cell phone,” said Phil Pompa, senior vice president of marketing for Conexant.

“For example, consumers can enjoy photos or video clips stored on cell phones on a larger, easier-to-view screen. They can also listen to music stored on their mobile device without a headset, or use the call center as a speakerphone. Telecom carriers benefit from the ability to offer differentiated products that can help attract and retain subscribers, and generate incremental revenue.”

According to a recent survey conducted by industry analyst firm ABI Research, 20 percent of mobile phone users store music on their devices and 25 percent store photos on their phones.

“Many individuals store music and photos on their cell phones, but don’t want to hassle with transferring files from their mobile device to a PC,” said Michael Inouye, digital home industry analyst for ABI Research. “With a Bluetooth-enabled frame, consumers can leverage this content and essentially transform their mobile phone into a multimedia ‘call center’ with high-performance audio and hands-free speakerphone capabilities.”

With Conexant’s new reference design, manufacturers can develop products that support up to eight mobile phone connections. A built-in microphone and stereo speakers enable high-quality speakerphone and streaming audio. For speakerphone applications, caller ID, call waiting, and call history functionality is supported.

Additional features include an auto-switch mode that is triggered when an incoming call is detected, and an alarm clock with automatic on/off timers. The turnkey software package includes a graphical user interface, as well as a mobile phone interface, and supports MP3 playback, and video playback with viewer and photo management capabilities.

The reference design materials and software binary will be provided to qualified OEMs and ODMs at no cost.