NEC Electronics releases a new audio processor, enables cellular phones to play music files encoded using "Windows Media Player" and "iTunes".

NEC Electronics today releases the audio processor "AP131" that makes cellular phones play the audio data coded by various software as" Windows Media®" and "iTunes®". The new chip integrates a CPU for play music and a digital signal processor for dedicated audio playback.. The new device will be connected to the baseband LSI in a cellular phone hand set.

The AP131 features supporting "MP4" adopted as standard format by the organization for the standardization of the third generation cellular phone and "ASF" developed by Microsoft as well as existing "SD-Audio". AP131 enables playback of the audio date encoded by player software" MOOCS player", " Windows Media®" and "iTunes®".(Note) without digital multimedia management (DRM) support. In addition, AP131 incorporates the function of fine clock control, achieving about 15% lower power consumption to the present product. Therefore, it enables up to 60 hours continuous playback, which is 10 hours longer than the existing product.

The built-in hardware of the product to enable surround function makes the sound expand. And customers can effectively use the existing cell phone platform, because AP131 enables audio playback on any baseband.

Users can enjoy longer audio playback time on cellular phone using AP131, and cellular phone manufacturers can save cost for manufacturing. NEC Electronics will continue to develop new line up, and promoting sale activities.

The AP131-based music phone platform running off the SanDisk® iNANDTM EFD will be demonstrated at both NEC and SanDisk booth at 3GSM World Congress 2007, held from February 12 to 15, 2007at Barcelona, Spain.

Availability
Samples of the product are available now. Monthly production is expected to reach approximately 1,000,000 units by May, 2008.

Please refer to the attachment for The AP131 main specifications.

Note
* AP131 supports the audio date encoded by " Windows Media®" and "iTunes®" without DRM support. The audio data without DRM support is encoded by users with " MOOCS player", " Windows Media®", "iTunes®" etc..
* Names of all products and services mentioned in this release are trademark or registered trademark of the property owner.

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