Ericsson announced the availability of the U335, a WCDMA mobile platform which is expected to open the way for the introduction of mass-market HSPA multimedia devices capable of high uplink and downlink data speeds suitable for data intensive services such as mobile TV, mobile video blogging.

The Ericsson U335 is the first HSPA mobile platform that offers both high-speed uplink data transfer capabilities and multimedia functionality for a price that will ensure the wide spreading of HSPA mobile devices. The platform is different from Ericsson's previously announced HSPA platforms (which have focused mainly on network access for PC-card products and high-end feature phones), in that it is suitable for all segments of the market.

"Today's announcement is the best example of how the different components of Ericsson's multimedia offering allow us to act as the driver for this emerging market," said Jan Wäreby, senior vice president and head of Ericsson's multimedia business. "By leveraging on our technology innovation and deep knowledge of devices and consumers' needs, we have today launched a platform that will allow more and more consumers to enjoy innovative multimedia services."

The latest addition to Ericsson's mobile platforms portfolio of multimedia platforms, the U335 is expected to become a flagship product by supporting not only higher uplink data speeds than its predecessors but also incorporating several mobile TV standards and advanced multimedia features. Robert Puskaric, head of Ericsson's mobile platforms' unit, commented: "The U335 is the first platform to enable mass-market production of true multimedia devices. By enabling mobile TV through MBMS, DVB-H and Unicast, together with outstanding imaging, video and music capabilities in a cost-efficient package, we expect to see many consumer models built on this platform."

Ericsson expects the first products built on the U335 platform to be available in volume quantities in the second half of 2008.