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Sharp Launches SharpMotionART(TM) Extension for QUALCOMM's BREW(TM)
Platform Technology Enhances Graphics on BREW-Based Applications
MAHWAH, N.J., Apr 29, 2003 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Sharp Electronics Corporation today announced the launch of the SharpMotionART (SMART) extension, developed for QUALCOMM's Binary Runtime Environment for Wireless(TM) (BREW) platform.
The SMART extension, coupled with a comprehensive authoring environment for the PC, enables BREW developers to streamline their application development efforts. SMART is ideal for creating more compelling user interfaces, latency screens, application menus, skins, screensavers and applications, requiring minimal software programming knowledge.
The SMART technology is a total network service solution that consists of an authoring tool, a playback engine and server software. The extension can be used to render figures and images within mobile handsets using vector graphics. Patented frame interpolation technology enables the SMART extension to playback an animation graphic with key frames only, creating additional frames on the handset according to device capabilities. This makes possible the viewing of graphical interactive content on the handset in ultra-compact file sizes, ideal for quick and efficient wireless transmission.
"Sharp is excited to work with QUALCOMM and the BREW solution to build on the success of Sharp's wireless strategy in Japan," said Bruce Goldstein, senior manager of the SharpMotionART development team, Sharp Electronics. "SharpMotionART is one of many cutting-edge technologies that we are pleased to offer as part of a broad global wireless strategy in both the hardware and software space. The BREW extension model is the perfect business and technical solution to allow Sharp to offer technology to developers around the world."
Sharp also announced that the SMART extension for the BREW client will provide developers with a server based solution to combine XML data with SMART vector graphic files to produce dynamic data services within the BREW environment. Sharp's discussions with wireless developers confirms that developers are actively seeking a mobile graphics solution that will help minimize application file size, reduce the need to optimize applications for each device and enable faster time-to-market.
"Sharp is pleased to be one of the first technology enablers to provide such a powerful extension for the BREW platform," said Goldstein. "SMART is designed to make wireless application development easier, and the user experience superior and more personalized."
Dr. Nimish Shrivastava, president and CTO of Embience, a Select(R) BREW Developer stated, "We are excited about the release of SharpMotionART and we are eager to promote it to our clients. We have been working with the tools in our labs and have several BREW applications that can use the enhancements SharpMotionART is able to provide."
"We look forward to growing our partnership with Sharp Electronics and offering the SMART extension to the BREW developer community," said Jan Lezny, senior director of developer and OEM relations, QUALCOMM Internet Services. "SMART is a valuable addition to the growing portfolio of BREW extensions and enables us to supply our developers with user-friendly tools to create fun and enticing applications for wireless subscribers."
The application is now available to developers via the QUALCOMM BREW Developer Extranet as a BREW extension for the BREW 1.0 and BREW 1.1 platform. QUALCOMM's BREW solution is a complete product and business system for the development and over-the-air deployment of data services on wireless devices. The BREW solution provides the necessary tools and value-added services to developers, device manufacturers and wireless operators for application development and distribution, device configuration, and billing and payment.
About Sharp Electronics Corporation
Sharp Electronics Corporation (www.sharpusa.com) is the Mahwah, N.J.-based marketing and sales subsidiary of Japan's Sharp Corporation. Sharp is a worldwide developer of the core technologies that are integral to shaping the next generation of home entertainment products, appliances and networked, multi-functional office solutions and mobile communication and information tools. Leading brands include AQUOS(TM) Liquid Crystal Televisions, 1-Bit audio products, the SharpVision(R) line of projection products, Zaurus(TM) Personal Mobile Tool, Viewcam(R) camcorders, Sharp Carousel microwaves, Imager(TM) digital multi-functional systems and the Notevision(R) line of multi-media projectors. Sharp Electronics Corporation employs approximately 2,000 people throughout the U.S. supporting more than 50 product lines.
Interested parties who would like more information on SharpMotionART can visit www.SharpMotionART.com.
QUALCOMM is a registered trademark of QUALCOMM Incorporated. BREW is a trademark of QUALCOMM Incorporated. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
SOURCE Sharp Electronics Corporation


CONTACT: David Fogelson, Sharp Electronics, [phone], [e-mail]; Deanna Davis, Stanton Crenshaw, [phone], [e-mail]: http://www.prnewswire.com http://www.sharpusa.com
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