Sequans powers HTC EVO WiMAX smartphone for KDDI

PARIS, FRANCE: 4G chipmaker Sequans announced that it is the provider of the WiMAX chip inside the “HTC EVO WiMAX” smartphone that was announced in Japan on February 28 by KDDI and HTC.

Comprising Sequans’ WiMAX technology, HTC’s state-of-the-art user interface, and the advanced capabilities of Google’s Android mobile operating system, KDDI’s “HTC EVO WiMAX” is one of the most advanced and powerful smartphones in the world. It is KDDI’s first WiMAX-enabled smartphone and it is a modified version of the original HTC EVO 4G smartphone, also powered by Sequans, introduced in the USA by Sprint in 2010.

“We are proud to work with KDDI and to continue our collaboration with HTC to deliver WiMAX-enabled smartphones to the global marketplace,” said Georges Karam, Sequans CEO. “The introduction of the EVO in Japan puts a very special device in the hands of Japanese consumers --- a device that delivers blazing performance, super high speed Internet connectivity, simplicity --- a totally exciting end user experience.”

The WiMAX chip inside the EVO is Sequans’ SQN1210, one of the most highly integrated semiconductor solutions in the industry. The SQN1210 is highly optimized for mobile handsets, delivering baseband and triple band RF integrated in a single, 65 nm die for ultra low power consumption and ultra high performance at a very low cost. These innovations enable users to enjoy faster web browsing and smoother streaming media playback. The chip also features Sequans’ patented dual transmit uplink technology, a technology pioneered by Sequans that can greatly improve coverage and performance.

The HTC EVO WiMAX combines the simplicity, ease-of-use and depth of the HTC SenseTM experience with a brilliant 4.3-inch screen, dual-LED flash, HD video recording and playback capability, and a dedicated kickstand that brings movies, TV shows, and sports to life. The HTC EVO WiMAX also offers WiMAX tethering, allowing up to eight devices, such as personal computers and portable game systems, to access the Internet over KDDI’s super high speed WiMAX network.

The HTC EVO WiMAX will be available to consumers in Japan beginning in April.