Device Arena

HTC Corporation, a global leader in mobile innovation and design, today introduced the HTC Sensation 4G, a smartphone that shines a spotlight on entertainment with HTC’s new HTC Watch™ video service. Crafted with premium design elements, the HTC Sensation 4G features the company’s latest customer-focused HTC Sense™ experience that puts people at the center by making their smartphones work in a more simple and natural way. The HTC Sensation 4G will be available in the US exclusively from T-Mobile USA beginning this summer.

“Consumers have quickly transformed smartphones into consumer lifestyle hubs that are pocket-sized entertainment centers that enable people to take their favorite multimedia content with them wherever they go. The new HTC Watch service makes it fun and easy for people to access premium movies and TV shows while on the go,” said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corporation. “The HTC Sensation 4G combines this great multimedia experience within the latest HTC Sense experience in a premium device that delivers a powerful and unprecedented smartphone to our customers.”

“The HTC Sensation 4G delivers the ultimate in speed and entertainment on America’s Largest 4G network,” said Andrew Sherrard, senior vice president of marketing for T-Mobile USA. “With a lightning-fast dual core processor and 4G speeds, customers will experience the difference when accessing rich media and content on the HTC Sensation 4G’s beautiful qHD display. We look forward to adding the HTC Sensation 4G to our industry-leading lineup of 4G smartphones.”

Tapping into HTC’s trademark design language, the HTC Sensation 4G’s premium look and feel is enhanced by its rounded edges, aluminum unibody construction and the touch screen surface is protected by a contoured screen that feels more natural as a finger is glided across it. The 4.3-inch qHD display delivers high-resolution widescreen viewing and gives the HTC Sensation 4G slender proportions that feel natural in a person’s hand. At the heart of the HTC Sensation 4G beats a powerful, 1.2-gigahertz dual-core Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ processor, which enables gorgeous graphics and all-around fast performance.

Complementing the HTC Sensation 4G’s premium design is the latest HTC Sense experience that boasts a host of new features and enhancements, helping people to have more fun and get more done. For instance, HTC Sense introduces a customizable active lockscreen experience that transforms the lockscreen into a real-time window to the most important information and content, such as social updates, photos, weather or stock updates that are viewed by simply waking up the display. In addition, the new active lockscreen becomes a customizable gateway that lets people quickly jump to the most used features, like making a phone call, sending an email, taking a picture or anything else with the same quick gesture usually used to unlock the phone. For instance, the camera can be launched right from the lock screen with a single motion, saving precious seconds when you’re trying to capture the action. Sharper graphics, vibrant animations and new widgets make HTC Sense look better than ever and, by continuing to focus on all of the aspects, both large and small, that make HTC Sense special, HTC introduces a more cinematic and immersive weather experience with stunning imagery and audible weather effects.

HTC Sense also makes it easy to have fun by enabling people to capture and share special moments. The HTC Sensation 4G’s 8-megapixel camera doesn’t just shoot gorgeous photos but, with the new instant capture feature, lets people capture the moments they want without worrying about missing or keeping up with the action. The HTC Sensation 4G also shoots full HD video in 1080p resolution, with full stereo sound, at up to 30 frames a second, giving you smooth video that is better than many other phones. With the new Video Trimmer tool, people can crop their clips to the perfect size for easy sharing with friends and family.

The HTC Sensation 4G is a smartphone that is built from the ground up for a sophisticated, evolved multimedia experience. The 4.3” widescreen display means that users can watch movies like they were meant to be seen – in their full cinematic glory, with no cropping or letterboxing. The HTC Sensation 4G is also the first smartphone to feature HTC Watch – an application and service that puts an entire library of the latest, premium movies and TV shows right at your fingertips, letting people discover the latest video content in an easy and visually engaging way. HTC Watch uses progressive download technology that makes it possible to watch videos without waiting for a huge file to finish downloading. HTC Watch offers the choice of renting or buying videos, and if purchased, lets you watch them on up to five different HTC devices.

htc.com

Toshiba Corporation
Sony Corporation

Toshiba Corporation (“Toshiba”) and Sony Corporation (“Sony”) today announced that they had signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding expressing their intent to transfer from Toshiba to Sony the semiconductor fabrication facilities owned by Toshiba and operated by Nagasaki Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (“NSM”), a joint venture among Toshiba, Sony and Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (“SCEI”), and, following the contemplated transfer, terminate their NSM joint venture relationship.

NSM, which was established in March 2008 and is located in the Nagasaki Technology Center of Sony Semiconductor Kyushu Corporation (“SCK”), has been manufacturing the high-performance “Cell Broadband Engine™” processor, the graphics engine “RSX” and other high-performance semiconductors and leading-edge SoC (system-on-a-chip) for applications in digital consumer products of Toshiba and Sony. The facilities to be transferred would be the fabrication facilities and equipment for the 300 mm wafer line located within the Nagasaki Technology Center purchased by Toshiba from Sony and SCK and leased to NSM in 2008 and other facilities that Toshiba and Sony will agree to transfer among those in which Toshiba invested in connection with the operation by NSM after the purchase.

After due diligence on the facilities to be transferred and continuing negotiations, Toshiba and Sony aim to execute definitive agreements (with respect to the contemplated transfer of the semiconductor fabrication facilities) as soon as possible before the end of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2011. Thereafter, Toshiba and Sony aim to complete the transfer early in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012, subject to any necessary government approvals.

Outline of NSM
Establishment: March 3, 2008
Location: 1883-43, Tsukuba-machi, Isahaya-city, Nagasaki, Japan
Capital: 100 million yen
Ownership: Toshiba 60%, Sony 20% and SCEI 20%
Representatives: Masaaki Kinugawa, Chairman of the Board and Director(Chief Executive Officer)
Nobuhiro Yamaguchi, President and Director(Chief Operating Officer)
Business Activities: Manufacture of high-performance semiconductors, including the “Cell Broadband Engine™” processor and the graphics engine “RSX”
Number of employees: Approximately 460 as of December 1, 2010

sony.net

Dai Nippon Printing Co.,Ltd.
Sony Corporation

Dai Nippon Printing Co.,Ltd. (hereafter referred to as DNP) and Sony Corporation (hereafter referred to as Sony) have concluded an agreement in which Sony’s professional digital photo printer business (excluding the manufacture of printers) shall be transferred to DNP, and announced today the official execution of the business transfer agreement between the two parties. Accompanying the concerned agreement, DNP will establish a working framework in which dye-sublimation print media* is supplied without interruption throughout the business transfer proceedings to the instant photo printing kiosk and printers for ID photography currently installed by Sony.

Additionally, Sony will continue to maintain its medical-purpose professional printing business.

In the event that the concerned business transfer is subject to receipt of necessary approvals by the regulatory authorities of related governments in countries where the concerned business has a physical presence, and subject to appropriate country consultation with employees, the agreement shall be executed on the condition that such approval is granted. Execution of the transfer of business assets is scheduled for April 1, 2011.

The outline of the agreement is as follows:
1. Outline of the Agreement

Sony shall transfer all of its active business accounts from throughout the world, with regard to its professional digital photo printer business, to DNP. The transfer of a portion of Sony’s employees involved in the aforementioned business to DNP is also planned to accompany the agreement.

2. Purpose of Concerned Business Transfer

DNP commenced the manufacture of Dye-Sublimation Print Media* in the latter half of the 1980’s. It currently supplies this print media for the printing of digital images taken by digital cameras and mobile phones with built-in cameras to professional printers used in photo stores and large retailers throughout the world, in addition to consumer printers.

The dry-printing method in which the photo printing of digital images is processed without the use of liquid developers as in dye-sublimation printing, has become increasingly prevalent, and the introduction of new applications such as photo books has expanded the means by which consumers can enjoy printing images. Following the conclusion of the agreement, DNP shall be able to succeed Sony’s global customer base, thus enhancing efforts to strengthen and expand the company’s digital photo printing business in this growing market.

While Sony has operated its professional digital photo printer business, employing the thermal transfer dye-sublimation method, for instant photo printing and photo IDs since 2001, it has decided to concentrate its efforts on select businesses that will enable it to further enhance the future competitiveness of its professional solutions business.

With regard to its professional printer business, the company shall now specialize in the medical-purpose segment, and continue efforts to strengthen the business.

* Dye-Sublimation Print Media
Media that is used for the printing of photographs such as digital images using the thermal-transfer printing method. It is composed of a transparent overcoat layer on a 3-color ink ribbon including yellow, magenta and cyan, and specialized receiver paper. The transfer of dye according to image density allows for smooth gradation, enabling the recreation of high-quality images. The media also allows for high-speed printing, and its extended durability has expanded its use as printing media for images taken by digital cameras mainly in such devices as household photo printers, kiosk devices and photo IDs.

sony.net

Also announces industry’s smallest and thinnest*1 lens module for mobile phones

October 7, 2010, Tokyo, Japan – Sony Corporation (hereafter, “Sony”) today announced the commercialization of two new “Exmor R” back-illuminated CMOS image sensors with dramatically improved photographic performance including significantly high sensitivity and low noise. In addition, Sony will launch two new lens modules equipped with these image sensors, which also include the smallest and thinnest*1 model for mobile phones. This is also the first time that “Exmor R” is commercialized for the use in mobile phones.
*1 As of October 7, 2010

Lens modules: “IU081F” (left), “IU105F2″ (right)
“Exmor R” back-illuminated CMOS image sensors:”IMX081PQ” (left), “IMX105PQ” (right)

Model Name Shipment date (Plan) Sample price
Type 1/2.8 16.41 effective megapixels
back-illuminated CMOS image sensor
“IMX081PQ” January, 2011 2,500 JPY
Type 1/3.2 8.13 effective megapixels
back-illuminated CMOS image sensor
“IMX105PQ” April, 2011 1,500 JPY
Type 1/2.8 16.41 effective megapixels*2
Lens module “IU081F” March, 2011 12,000 JPY
Type 1/3.2 8.13 effective megapixels*2
Lens module “IU105F2″ April, 2011 8,000 JPY
*2 Based on the effective pixels of the image sensor

“IMX081PQ” is world’s first*1 type 1/2.8 back-illuminated CMOS image sensor which realizes 16.41 effective megapixel resolution, and adopts the industry’s smallest*1 unit pixel size of 1.12μm. “IMX105PQ” is a type 1/3.2 back-illuminated CMOS image sensor which realizes 8.13 effective megapixel resolutions for higher sensitivity and adopts a unit pixel size of 1.4μm. By embedding these highly sensitive sensors into mobile phones, including those without camera flash, users can capture high quality photos and videos even in low light settings.
Furthermore, Sony will commercialize “IU081F” and “IU105F2″ compact auto-focus lens modules which include the two new “Exmor R” back-illuminated CMOS image sensors. These down-sized modules are suitable and efficient for mobile phones with relatively limited space and are equipped with high performance lens which maximize the image sensors’ respective performances. “IU081F” is the industry’s smallest and thinnest*1 auto-focus lens module (W10.5 X D10.5 X H7.9mm) and is equipped with the 16.41 effective megapixel*2 CMOS image sensor. “IU105F2″ adopts the 8.13 effective megapixel*2 CMOS image sensor, and belongs in the industry’s smallest and thinnest*3 size class (W8.5 X D8.5 X H5.67mm).
Through its proprietary fine pixel fabrication process technology, Sony will proactively continue the development of “Exmor R” which adopts the 1.12μm unit pixel size for mobile phones. Accordingly, Sony aims to address customer demand by providing appropriately small lens modules especially for smartphones with large displays and limited space for components.

About the realization of high resolution
“IMX081PQ” is world’s first*1 type 1/2.8 back-illuminated CMOS image sensor which realizes 16.41 effective megapixel resolution, and adopts the industry’s smallest*1 unit pixel size of 1.12μm achieved by the fine pixel fabrication process technology. In theory, when a unit pixel size is made smaller, there are also some issues such as color mixture among smaller unit pixels. Sony solved this problem by implementing a unique formation of photo diodes optimally designed for fine pixel structure to realize a CMOS image sensor with high resolution, high sensitivity and low noise.

About manufacturing
Since 2009, Sony has been mass producing “Exmor R” for Digital Still Cameras and Digital Video Camcorders on wafer lines (with diameter of 200mm) at Sony Semiconductor Kyushu Corporation’s Nagasaki Technology Center. At the end of 2010, Sony plans to start the mass production of “Exmor R,” including those for mobile phones announced today, at Sony Semiconductor Kyushu Corporation’s Kumamoto Technology Center, on cutting-edge wafer lines (with diameter of 300mm). Sony already announced (September 1, 2010) the investment of approximately 40 billion yen in Kumamoto Technology Center to increase production capacity for CMOS image sensors.

About Back-illuminated CMOS image sensor “Exmor R”
Sony first announced the development of “Exmor R” on Jun, 2008. “Exmor R” has been incorporated in Sony’s digital imaging products since 2009, and its use in other products has continued to expand. “Exmor R” CMOS image sensor features Sony’s independently developed back-illuminated structure, realizing significantly higher sensitivity as well as lower noise. In this back-illuminated CMOS image sensor, light is directed onto the silicon substrate from behind, allowing light to be used with a level of efficiency not possible with conventional front-illuminated structures.

Main features

1) CMOS image sensor with the world’s first*1 16.41 effective megapixel resolution for use in mobile phones. (“IMX081PQ”)
–adopts formation technology used to create industry’s smallest*11.12µm unit pixel
2) Realizes high sensitivity and low noise through back-illuminated structure.
3) Adopts Sony’s proprietary “Column-Parallel A/D Conversion Technique”, providing each column within the sensor with its own A/D converter, achieving high frame rates of 15 frame/sec (in all-pixel scan mode) and Full-HD video taking capability.

1) The industry’s smallest and thinnest*1 lens module equipped with CMOS image sensor, lens and auto-focus functions in which the pixel structure and lens are optimally designed. (“IU081F”)
2) Approximately twice as sensitive as a conventional front-illuminated CMOS image sensor by combining back-illuminated CMOS image sensor and bright lens with small f-number. (“IU105F2″)
3) Equipped with 28mm wide-angle lens (35mm conversion) which is convenient for daily shooting.

Key specifications

Model Name IMX081PQ IMX105PQ
Number of effective pixels 4672(H)×3512(V)
16.41M pixels 3288(H)×2472(V)
8.13M pixels
Image size Diagonal 6.5mm (Type1/2.8)
square pixel Diagonal 5.76mm (Type 1/3.2)
square pixel
Unit cell size 1.12μm□ 1.4μm□
Frame
rate Full 15fps 15fps
1/2 sub sampling 30fps 30fps
1/8 sub sampling 120fps 120fps
HD mode 1080-30P / 720-60P 1080-30P / 720-30P
Sensitivity 205 digit (10Bit) 310 digit (10Bit)
Saturation signal 820 digit (10Bit) 1023 digit (10Bit)
Power supply Analog 2.7 +0.2/-0.1V 2.7 +0.2/-0.1V
Digital 1.2 ±0.1V 1.2 ±0.1V
Interface 1.8 ±0.1V 1.8 ±0.1V
Major function 3-wire serial communication, I2C, serial data output, supports flexible input clock
Output MIPI 4,2,1 Lane MIPI 2,1 Lane

Model Name IU081F IU105F2
Module size*2 10.5(W)×10.5(D)×7.9(H)mm 8.5(W)×8.5(D)× 5.67(H)mm
AF actuator Voice coil motor
Lens construction 4 groups 4 elements (Plastic)
F-number F2.6 F2.4
Focal length (35mm conversion) 28mm
Camera output MIPI (4 Lane) MIPI (2 Lane)

*1 As of October 7, 2010
*2 Based on the effective pixels of the image sensor
*3 Compared to CMOS image sensor with the same pixel count as of October 7, 2010
*4 Dimensions show width and depth excluding flexible printed circuits

sony.net