LEUVEN, Belgium – October 28, 2008 – Option N.V. (EURONEXT Brussels: OPTI; OTC: OPNVY), the wireless technology company, today announced that a major French operator has announced two Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs), the SFR M! PC Pocket 3G+ and the Archos 3G+, that connect to the operator’s national HSPA mobile broadband network via embedded modules from Option. The SFR M! PC Pocket 3G+ is also the first device incorporating Option’s Linux-based connection management software.
The new SFR M! PC Pocket 3G+ – an MID with HSPA connectivity, 4.8” touch screen, retractable keyboard, Intel’s Atom™ processor, 4GB integrated memory and weighing just 325 grams – enables anywhere, anytime access to the internet and popular web-based services such as email, instant messaging and social networks. GlobeTrotter Connect for Linux, the connection management software specifically developed by Option for MIDs based on the Intel® Centrino® Atom™ processor, controls the broadband connection.
The Archos 3G+ – an MID with HSPA connectivity, a 4.8” touch screen with 16 million colors and a storage capacity up to 30GB – gives users an entirely new way to enjoy the Web, digital media and TV on a thin and extremely fast handheld tablet.
Option embarked on an initiative to become the leading supplier of 3G wireless broadband connectivity to the emerging market for MIDs in 2007. Option’s acquisition of BenQ/Siemens Mobile R&D team last year, combined with its Intel collaboration, has made Option an important partner for MID ODMs and OEMs. Option and Intel recently extended their collaboration to include the development of a new 3.5G HSPA embedded module for the “Moorestown” platform, Intel’s next generation Mobile Internet Device (MID) platform. MID forecasts from independent analysts range from 90–136 million units a year by 2012.