US : Marvell announced the shipment of the first marvell-based ASUS 3G smartphones. Featuring the Marvell PXA901 3G communications processor and the PXA272 applications processor, the ASUS Halley platform-based devices are currently shipping in the European market under the Vodafone brand name.

These devices are the first Marvell-based 3G smartphones to utilize the Microsoft Windows Mobile operating system. The Vodafone 1210 ( inset ) is soon to ship in Europe. "The new ASUS Halley phones are designed to offer the advanced functions of a smartphone with outstanding multimedia capabilities at attractive customer price points," said Mr. HC Hung, General Manager of the ASUS Digital Person Business Group. "Marvell's PXA901 and PXA272 allow us to offer robust 3G communications support while enabling users to synchronize their calendar, email and contacts between their PC and mobile devices and access and use email."

"The Vodafone 1210 is our first exclusive own-branded 3G business handset, for those customers looking for low cost business devices," said Jens Schulte- Bockum, Director of Terminals, Vodafone. "We carefully defined its characteristics, design, and functions to enhance the business customer experience offering easy to use, out of the box set up and support for the full range of Vodafone email solutions. The availability of the Vodafone 1210 handset supports Vodafone's commitment to offer depth and choice to the range of 3G business devices for our customers." Marvell and ASUS worked closely together on the development of the Halley platform.

The PXA901 communications processor supports GSM/GPRS and WCDMA communications; the PXA272 applications processor runs applications and services, and the operating system. The two companies have rigorously tested the platform in many countries with different network implementations. "ASUS's groundbreaking new 3G smartphones will provide critical functionality for busy professionals as well as unparalleled multimedia performance for customers," said Martin Schroeder Associate Vice President and General Manager of the Communications Processor Business Unit, Marvell's Cellular and Handheld Business Group.

"This project is the successful result of dedicated work from engineering teams from both sides, and is clear proof of ASUS's leading position as an innovator in the 3G space." Marvell communications and applications processors are designed for cost efficiency by offering a broad roadmap that is architecturally consistent for maximum software reuse. Marvell products enable seamless communications and provide the headroom for advanced applications with intelligent power management allowing manufacturers to differentiate current and future offerings.