News
KYOCERA Wireless and INSIDE Contactless Join Forces on NFC Integration
Near Field Communication Technology Enables Wide Range of M-Commerce and Wireless Wallet Applications
San Diego, CA and and Aix en Provence, France -- (October 30, 2007) -- Kyocera Wireless Corp. (KWC), a leading global manufacturer of CDMA wireless phones and devices, and INSIDE Contactless, a world leader for Near Field Communication (NFC) technologies and other contactless payments solutions, today announced a global collaboration to integrate INSIDE Contactless' cutting-edge NFC solution for mobile payments in select prototype Kyocera mobile phones.The agreement may eventually allow KWC to offer unique services to global carriers and content providers and further the acceptance of mobile payment platforms.
As part of the collaboration, KWC will build NFC-enabled prototype mobile phones enhanced with INSIDE's microread®, allowing the technology to be used in various banking pilot projects and initial adoption globally.
"Working with INSIDE Contactless enhances the leadership position Kyocera has created in driving the adoption of NFC in the North American wireless market," said Cheri de Lacy, vice president of Strategic Planning at KWC. "Future NFC-enabled phones from Kyocera will include an in-depth range of unique advanced functionalities at the forefront of NFC technology."
INSIDE Contactless has been at the leading edge of mobile payment development with unique experience with the largest banking institutions, a leadership position in the NFC Forum and a wide portfolio of patented technologies. Further, INSIDE Contactless has been the global market leader for contactless card-based payments solutions with more than 30M chips delivered to date.
"After the success of contactless payment in the US, INSIDE is delighted to see Kyocera stepping up to NFC as it will leverage the contactless infrastructure already deployed for m-payment. Having an NFC/CDMA solution is key for INSIDE to address the US market and this partnership adds a lot to our company", said Remy de Tonnac, CEO of INSIDE Contactless.
About About microread®
microread is an innovative, next-generation RF single silicon chip that uses Near Field Communication (NFC) for proximity data transactions. Incorporated into cell phones, PDAs or PCs, it enables them to operate like RF readers and contactless smart cards or RF tags. Microread is fully compliant with NFC's specifications and includes all options of NFC. It incorporates an emergency battery off mode that enables the self-powered chip to continue transactions with the phone on or off.
About INSIDE Contactless
As the only fabless semiconductor company focused exclusively upon contactless chip platforms, INSIDE Contactless is a market leader in Near Field Communication (NFC), contactless payments, and access control. Innovation in contactless technology has led to more than 55 patents granted to INSIDE, including several essential NFC technology patents. INSIDE is the #1 market share provider of contactless bank card applications in the world, with more than 30 million MicroPass intelligent payment platforms delivered from launch in 2005 through 2007. These MicroPass platforms power cards from more than 20 leading bank card issuers. More than 25 key partners around the world, including major card manufacturers and handset providers, have successfully delivered contactless products such as payment & access cards, point of sale terminals, NFC enabled mobile handsets, and other products which are 'powered by INSIDE'. INSIDE Contactless is headquartered in Aix-en-Provence, France, with offices in Shanghai, Singapore, Poland, San Francisco, and Boston. For more information, please visit www.insidecontactless.com .
About Kyocera Wireless Corp.
Kyocera Wireless Corp. is a leading supplier of innovative, feature-rich CDMA wireless devices and accessories for customers worldwide. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kyocera International Inc., which acquired QUALCOMM Incorporated's CDMA consumer wireless phone business in February 2000. Based in San Diego, Kyocera Wireless leverages Japan's history of creating advanced consumer technologies around humanism and respect for the environment and blending them with a Western entrepreneurialism and style, resulting in a unique design language and a natural, user-friendly interface. For more information, please visit www.kyocera-wireless.com.
Kyocera Corporation (NYSE: KYO), the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of advanced ceramics. By combining these engineered materials with metals and plastics, and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera has become a leading supplier of telecommunications equipment, semiconductor packages, electronic components, laser printers, copiers, solar energy systems and industrial ceramics. During the year ended March 31, 2007, Kyocera Corporation's consolidated net sales totaled approximately US$10.8 billion (JP¥1,283,897 million) with net income of approximately US$895 million (JP¥106,504 million).
© 2007 Kyocera Wireless Corp. All rights reserved. Kyocera is a registered trademark of Kyocera Corporation. All other product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.
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