MIPS Technologies Announces Microsoft Windows CE .NET Will Support

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8, 2002 - MIPS Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: MIPS, MIPSB), a leading provider of industry-standard processor architectures and cores for digital consumer and networks applications, announced that Microsoft Windows CE .NET, a real-time operating system for next generation smart devices that was introduced yesterday at the Consumer Electronics Show, supports the industry-standard 32- and 64-bit MIPS® microprocessor architectures and cores. Together, the technologies offer systems designers an optimized software environment that reduces overall design time for next-generation digital consumer devices that need the performance and power to enable an enhanced user experience. The only 64-bit processors that are currently supported by Windows CE .NET are based on the MIPS architecture.

Manufacturers of robust, multimedia information appliances such as digital set-top boxes and other smart devices now have an optimal solution in the combination of Windows CE .NET and the many embedded processors and cores available from MIPS Technologies and its semiconductor licensees. The MIPS architecture drives many of the world's most compelling digital consumer and networking products. It is the de facto standard in millions of digital cameras, printers, game consoles, advanced digital set-top boxes and other TV-related systems from the world's leading digital consumer OEMs such as Hughes Electronics (DIRECTV), Motorola Broadband Communications Sector, Pace Micro Technology, Philips, Pioneer and Sony.

"As consumer devices evolve into a multimedia, multifunctional infotainment gateway, powerful hardware and software platforms are critical to delivering these devices," said Keith White, senior director of marketing for the Embedded and Appliance Platforms Group at Microsoft Corp. "The robust functionality enabled by the Windows CE .NET platform and high-performance, power-efficient MIPS-based[tm] processors allows OEMs to rapidly deploy smart, low-power products that create rich, personalized experiences for consumers across a variety of devices."

According to Gartner/Dataquest, the digital set-top box production worldwide will more than double in the next few years, from 40 million in 2001 to 93 million in 2005. Four of the top five manufacturers of digital cable boxes worldwide use MIPS-based processors, as do the two leading cable satellite companies in the U.S., DIRECTV and EchoStar Communications.

"Consumer demand for higher quality media and graphics and secure information access for e-commerce and entertainment services is one reason why the MIPS architecture is the standard in digital set-top boxes. It's powerful, yet flexible, efficient and highly scalable, and it offers 32- and 64-bit compatibility, giving our semiconductor and OEM licensees plenty of headroom to grow," said Kevin Meyer, vice president of marketing at MIPS Technologies.

Only MIPS Technologies openly licenses 64-bit embedded processor architecture. NEC Electronics and other leading semiconductor makers use 64-bit technology from MIPS Technologies to develop processors for a variety of information appliances that demand the rich media and graphics only 64-bit technology can provide. Windows CE .NET running on 64-bit MIPS-based processors raises the bar for next-generation devices by enabling lightning-fast, movie-quality images, higher-quality audio, and high-speed encryption.

About MIPS Technologies
MIPS Technologies, Inc. is a leading provider of industry-standard processor architectures and cores for digital consumer and network applications. The company drives the broadest architectural alliance that is delivering 32- and 64-bit embedded RISC solutions. The company licenses its intellectual property to semiconductor companies, ASIC developers and system OEMs. MIPS Technologies and its licensees offer the widest range of robust, scalable processors in standard, custom, semi-custom and application-specific products. The company is based in Mountain View, Calif., and can be reached at +1 (650) 567-5000 or www.mips.com.

MIPS® is a registered trademark and MIPS-based[tm] is a trademark of MIPS Technologies, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks referred to herein are the property of their respective owners.
 
 

Media Contacts:
Lee Garvin Flanagin
MIPS Technologies, Inc.
+1 (650) 567-5180
flanagin@mips.com