Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ:BRCM) , a global leader in wired and wireless broadband communications semiconductors, today announced a new software product called BLINK(TM) that dramatically simplifies the use of Bluetooth(R) technology when connecting cellular phone handsets with Pcs. BLINK (Bluetooth LINK) is the result of a collaborated effort between Broadcom and BVRP Software International (now Avanquest Software). BLINK has been adopted by networking retailers such as Anycom and IO GEAR, and by leading Bluetooth dongle manufacturers such as Abocom, Air2U, Billionton, CC&C, Cellink, Formosa, J-Three International, Microlink and Tecom.

Bluetooth continues to gain market share with cellular phone handset providers, offering users a convenient "cords-free" method to connect handsets to Pcs when transferring files and pictures, connect Pcs to the Internet via mobile phones, and synchronize address books and calendars. Traditionally, performing many of these functions had required complicated procedures that often discouraged their use. BLINK software provides users with an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) that makes complex Bluetooth-related tasks as simple as browsing the Internet, which encourages consumers to take advantage of the powerful features enabled by the ubiquitous wireless technology.

"This software simplifies the use of Bluetooth technology to such an extent that we anticipate 'BLINK' to become synonymous with Bluetooth when connecting phones and Pcs using products based on our technology," said Scott Bibaud, Senior Director of Marketing for Broadcom's Bluetooth products. "Once users discover the convenience of 'BLINKing' files and data between their phones and Pcs, the true power of Bluetooth will become clearer to the millions of consumers that already have the technology built into their phones."

Broadcom(R) BLINK software provides users with a graphical representation of their cellular phones on their desktop or notebook PC screens. Once connected via a wireless Bluetooth link, the user can operate all of the primary phone functions directly from the computer. This intuitive user interface allows users to simply drag and drop items from their personal computers directly to their cell phones. With this new software offering from Broadcom, over 100 million users of Bluetooth-equipped mobile phones can now:

* Exchange phone numbers and contact information between their Pcs and mobile phones

* Access and surf the Internet via any GPRS/EDGE/CDMA cellular data links

* Send and receive SMS messages directly on their Pcs

* Transfer pictures, music and data to and from their camera phones and their Pcs

* Synchronize calendars between their Pcs and mobile phones.

"Digital photos, phone numbers and calendar appointments are literally trapped inside users' cell phones because of the complexity involved in transferring this information to Pcs and other devices," said Brian O'Rourke, Senior Analyst at In-Stat. "Broadcom's leading work in Bluetooth software will not only lead to greater penetration of Bluetooth hardware in a number of applications, it will also make it easier to use for these advanced tasks."

In addition to the broad adoption of Bluetooth in mobile phones, many notebook computers also feature Bluetooth technology. For those desktop and notebook computers that do not have Bluetooth built-in, external USB Bluetooth adapters used in conjunction with BLINK software provide a convenient way to connect a PC to a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone. Many leading dongle manufacturers are including the new BLINK software with their products and feature the BLINK logo on their packaging to alert consumers to the software's ease of use benefits.

Availability

BLINK software is now available and is shipping from leading Bluetooth dongle providers.

About Broadcom

Broadcom Corporation is a global leader in wired and wireless broadband communications semiconductors. Our products enable the convergence of high-speed data, high definition video, voice and audio at home, in the office and on the go. Broadcom provides manufacturers of computing and networking equipment, digital entertainment and broadband access products, and mobile devices with the industry's broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art system-on-a-chip and software solutions. These solutions support our core mission: Connecting everything(R).

Broadcom is one of the world's largest fabless semiconductor companies, with annual revenue of more than $2 billion. The company is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with offices and research facilities in North America, Asia and Europe. Broadcom may be contacted at 1-949-450-8700 or at www.broadcom.com [1].