Engadget
reported that Motorola, Freescale Semiconductor and Nikko have come up with a safe and cool way to combine cars and
cellphones. The answer is Motorola’s Wireless Wheels, which are R/C cars controlled by Motorola iDen cellular
handsets (like the i860, shown). The phone’s “Talk” button provides a speed boost, and
the phone’s vibrate function provides “steering wheel” feedback to the “driver.” The phone also
plays car sound effects. No word yet on how fun these are, but we’re hoping that Chris can snag one to play
with while he’s down there and give us a full report.
Motorola, Freescale, and Nikko Collaborate on a New Remote Control Toy Car Operated By Mobile
Phones
Wireless Wheels Connects Toys and Motorola iDEN® Mobile Devices to Make Life More
Fun
LAS VEGAS, Nevada, Jan. 6, 2005 – Motorola Inc. (NYSE: MOT) and Nikko have announced a new Wireless
Wheels remote control toy car controlled by select Motorola iDEN® handsets. Based on the Freescale Semiconductor
(NYSE:FSL, FSL.B) wireless Personal Area Network (PAN) technologywhichutilizes the
IEEE® 802.15.4 standard, the 1/16 scale replica is the latest remote control model to be introduced by Motorola to
the consumer market.
Using the Motorola iDEN phone attachment, which leverages PAN technology, the Motorola
iDEN handset replaces traditional remote controls by operating multiple devices such as toys or robots with reliable
two-way communications.
Wireless Wheels are full-function radio controlled toy cars that give consumers a
multi-sensory racing experience. Combined with Motorola iDEN handsets, users can view simulations of their car’s
movement via animation on the phone’s screen, hear the engine start and the tires squeal as they race, and feel
the phone vibrate in their hand like the steering wheel of a race car. In addition, the Push-To-Talk (PTT) button
serves as a “turbo boost” for a sudden burst of speed.
M. Ban, CEO Nikko Company Ltd notes,
“The new Motorola technology for radio control toys is very exciting and innovative. This is the first major
advancement in the RC toy category in many years. We are honored to be able to work with Motorola and Freescale on the
development of the generation of hi-tech RC toys.”
“It’s the fusion of mobile technology and
toys,” said Peter Aloumanis, general manager, U.S. Markets Division, Motorola’s iDEN® Mobile
Devices. “Motorola is exploring new applications for short-range wireless communication technologies – and is
having fun while doing it. Wireless Wheels is another example of bringing seamless mobility to life through
play.”
“Nikko’s latest remote control car is bringing wireless technology to a new
level,” said Brett Black, commercial wireless manager of Freescale’s Wireless and Mobile Systems Group.
“This collaboration underscores Freescale’s leadership in providing cutting-edge wireless solutions that
will have a positive and fun impact in our everyday lives.”
Freescale’s technology based on the IEEE
802.15.4 standard includes the MC13193 2.4 GHz RF chip, a low voltage, low power HCS08 MCU, which provides a robust,
cost effective, and easy-to-deploy solution. IEEE 802.15.4 on-chip features and enhancements help to
reduce external components and total bill of materials, while providing battery lifetimes of up to several
years.
Wireless Wheels are compatible with the following Motorola iDEN phones: i265, i275, i560, i730,
i760, i830, i850, i860, and i870 and runs on 4 AA batteries.
For more information on Wireless Wheels, please
contact
wirelesswheels@motorola.com.
About Motorola
Motorola is a Fortune 100 global communications leader that provides seamless mobility products and solutions
across broadband, embedded systems and wireless networks. In your home, auto, workplace and all spaces in between,
seamless mobility means you can reach the people, things and information you need, on the go. Seamless mobility
harnesses the power of technology convergence and enables smarter, faster, cost-effective and flexible communication.
Motorola had sales of US $31.3 billion in 2004. For more information: www.motorola.com.
About Freescale Semiconductor
Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. (NYSE:FSL, FSL.B) is a global
leader in the design and manufacture of embedded semiconductors for the automotive, consumer, industrial, networking
and wireless markets. Freescale became a publicly traded company in July 2004 after more than 50 years as part of
Motorola, Inc. The company is based in Austin, Texas, and has design, research and development, manufacturing or sales
operations in more than 30 countries. Freescale, a member of the S&P 500®, is one of the world’s largest
semiconductor companies with 2004 sales of $5.7 billion (USD).
www.freescale.com.
About Nikko Company Ltd.
Nikko Company Ltd is the world’s largest manufacturer of remote control Toys.
Founded in 1958, and based
in Tokyo Japan, Nikko has grown to become the world leader in the design, development and manufacturing of all type of
RC Toys including cars, trucks, boats, airplanes and helicopters. Nikko has sales and marketing operations in 20
different countries. Nikko maintains it’s own R & D, tooling and manufacturing facilities in Hong Kong,
China, and Malaysia.
For more information: www.nikko-group.com