16 January 2008

Samsung selects Interlink’s patented MicroNav technology for use on new i450 smart phone!

Announced at CES on January 7th, the Samsung Ultra Music SGH-i450 smart phone with its “touch wheel navigation” has received praise for its innovative design and unique user interface.

Interlinks Electronics’ patented MicroNav arc-shaped sensor allows users to explore multimedia menus with a stroke of the thumb. The feature-rich phone runs a Symbian S60 operating system, allowing for a variety of 3rd party software applications.

It contains a 2-megapixel camera on the back with a VGA camera up front for video conferencing taking advantage of the high-speed, 3.6Mbps HSDPA for network access. Other features include Bang and Olufsen® speakers, FM radio, a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, 35MB internal memory, a slot for up to a 4GB microSDHC card, Bluetooth and USB 2.0 enabled.

“Being selected by Samsung is more than just another design win for our MicroNav family of products,” said Rod Vesling, Senior Vice President, Interlink Electronics, Inc. “The touch wheel navigation sensor is a focus of the design, enhancing the user experience of the SGH-i450 smart phone. Exceptional sensor functionality combined with world-class design aesthetics contribute to its mass-market appeal.”

Interlink’s customers choose MicroNav sensor solutions because they are flexible, energy-efficient and cost-effective. The flexible sensor design allowed Samsung to integrate this sensor for a seamless look and feel combining functionality with beauty. MicroNav sensors are also energy-efficient, requiring a fraction of the power typically required by capacitive technology alternatives. Finally, MicroNav interface solutions are cost-effective, typically utilizing the host device microprocessor and requiring no additional electronics for integration.

About MicroNav User Interface Solutions

Interlink Electronics’ family of MicroNav products, powered by the company’s patented Force Sensing Resistor (FSR) technology, includes the MicroNav Ring, MicroNav Strip, MicroNav 360°, MicroNav Array and MicroNav Touchpad. Enabling new levels of high design in handheld consumer electronics devices, MicroNav miniaturized interface solutions provide integrators with rapid scroll menu navigation, 360° “mouse” pointing, miniature touchpad and pressure switch sensing solutions for mobile handsets, MP3 players and advanced remote controls. For more information, go to http://www.interlinkelectronics.com/force_sensors.