Date: 06/02/2009

Broadcom WiFi/Bluetooth software supports Google's Android platform

Broadcom's software that controls Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/FM connectivity solution is a standard component of the latest Android operating system. Broadcom best selling wireless semiconductor device BCM4325 is a combo chip featuring both WiFi and Bluetooth. Broadcom's driver and other software for BCM4325 for google's Android mobile device development platform can speed up development.

"Two of the most exciting trends in the handset industry are the growing popularity of Android and the transition to combo chips for connectivity," said Chris Bergey, Director of Broadcom's Embedded WLAN line of business. "As a founding member of the Open Handset Alliance, we are committed to advancing the Android platform by contributing our software and facilitating greater access to our combination chips in the open source community. We expect a plethora of products and applications to evolve from the connected Android platform in the not-so-distant future."

The inherent benefits of multi-radio integration have changed the way many handset manufacturers think about connectivity features, which is driving significant growth for combo chips. According to IDC, a global market intelligence firm, combo chips will account for nearly 60 percent of connectivity solutions that ship into mobile phones by 2012.

About the Android Platform
Developed by the Open Handset Alliance (OHA), Android is the first free and open mobile platform. It includes everything a manufacturer or operator needs to build a mobile phone, including an operating system, middleware and key mobile applications. Developers can take advantage of the comprehensive software stack to develop innovative applications and compelling services. By contributing to the Android platform, members of the OHA can make it easier for developers to distribute and commercialize their applications.