Seoul, October 30, 2012 — NXP Semiconductors (NASDAQ: NXPI) announced today that it has integrated the software stack of its PN544 NFC controller into Microsoft's Windows Phone 8 OS. This is expected to enable mobile users to have a more diverse and convenient experience. NXP's NFC technology, pre-integrated and validated by Microsoft, will be an excellent choice for device manufacturers looking to quickly bring Windows Phone 8-based NFC-enabled smartphones to market.

Microsoft, a leader in operating systems, is advancing the NFC ecosystem by supporting NXP solutions, enabling OEMs to implement open-source NFC and design outstanding NFC solutions that deliver exceptional user experiences. Several Microsoft OEM partners, such as Samsung, HTC, and Nokia, have already announced plans to launch Windows Phone 8 devices that support NFC.

Windows Phone 8 smartphones equipped with NFC can utilize a variety of interesting NFC applications that enable secure mobile transactions while providing the convenience and simplicity of contactless methods. Users can check in at restaurants by tapping tags, access website links by tapping smart posters, or share content such as photos and videos with other NFC-enabled devices. As a Secure Element (SE), NFC enables mobile transactions by implementing virtual wallets embedded with credit cards, customer cards, and coupons, and provides mobile ticketing and access control solutions. Mobile ticketing and access control solutions are markets where NXP holds proven leadership in the smart card-based identification (ID) market. By integrating NFC into the operating system layer, users can access all functions with simple operations. In addition, NFC can further expand interoperability by connecting Windows Phone 8 to Windows 8-based devices such as laptops, ultrabooks, and tablets.

Michael Connolly, Principal Program Manager for Microsoft Windows Phone, said, “Implementing scenarios between NFC devices is the core of Microsoft’s shared Windows core. Therefore, it was natural to partner with NXP, a leader in the ID market that provides a proven NFC portfolio delivering excellent user experiences on mobile devices.”

Ruediger Stroh, Senior Vice President and General Manager of NXP Semiconductor ID Business Unit, stated, “NXP is pleased to partner as a solution provider for integrating NFC into Microsoft’s operating system. OEMs will now be able to easily integrate NFC into Windows Phone 8 devices.” He added, “NFC enables a smart mobile life through applications such as ticketing, proximity marketing, access, identity verification, and payments across various devices. What NXP aims to achieve through these applications complements companies like Microsoft when they integrate NFC into their software, making a significant contribution to providing reliable smart life solutions for end consumers.”

At CARTES 2012, held in Paris, France from November 6 to 8, you can see NXP’s NFC technology incorporated into various applications developed for ID authentication and secure transactions. The NXP booth is located at Hall 4, 4J 027.

NFC is a standardized technology proven in the market and was jointly developed by NXP and Sony in 2002. NXP plays a pivotal role in this ecosystem and is accelerating development by collaborating with almost all major handset manufacturers, mobile OS providers, and application developers. As the world's leading provider of identity technology, NXP leverages its leadership in contactless and security technologies to offer complete mobile transaction solutions, including NFC controllers, Secure Elements for all form factors, NFC tags, and infrastructure reader ICs. To date, OEMs have selected NXP's NFC technology for over 200 mobile devices.

Related links
• NXP NFC Information
• Microsoft Windows Phone Information - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsphone/en-US/default.aspx