European operator O2 UK plc said it will use Qualcomm Inc.’s uiOne user interface technology in its high-end, “X range” devices. Although somewhat limited in scope, the deal signals a notable turning point in the worldwide wireless industry.
“Our X range devices are a key part of our business strategy. We see this uiOne implementation on part of our X range as complementary to our existing partnerships in providing a consistent user interface that our customers are able to easily identify with,” said Ian Clarke, head of devices for O2 UK. “This agreement will enable O2 to further develop our understanding of customizing customers’ mobile phones, allowing them to personalize their mobile experience.”
The deal is notable for both companies. For O2, the agreement stands as part of the carrier’s evolving device strategy. O2 was one of the first European carriers to develop its own branded products. Dubbed the X series, O2 has purchased and rebranded devices including the SPV Windows Mobile smart phone. Qualcomm’s uiOne technology will allow O2 to develop its own branded user interface to install on its X series devices, and remotely update that UI. O2 said it expects to launch uiOne-capable devices late next year.
For Qualcomm, the deal gives the company a strong foothold in an area that has traditionally eschewed the San Diego-based vendor. Indeed, the CDMA champion has long fought against European GSM proponents like Nokia Corp. and L.M. Ericsson. During the past few years though, Qualcomm has been working to sell its BREW products in GSM markets like Europe.
Interestingly, Qualcomm’s deal with O2 was somewhat expected; O2 was one of the keynote presenters during this year’s BREW developer’s conference. BREW is an application download technology developed by Qualcomm, and uiOne is part of Qualcomm’s family of BREW-based products.
Other carriers including Alltel Corp. have purchased Qualcomm uiOne technology.
In other news, Qualcomm introduced its Scorpion microprocessor, which the company said will add 1 GHz of processing power to the company’s line of MSM chips for mobile phones. The company also said it expanded its family of single-chip products for CDMA phones.
