January 8, 2008 3:27 PM PST

Open Interface acquired by Qualcomm

by Donald Bell

A source within Qualcomm has confirmed that the company quietly acquired Open Interface North America in December of 2007. Founded in 2000, Open Interface North America (OINA) is an embedded Bluetooth software developer that has provided Bluetooth software for companies such as Sharp, Sprint, Motorola, and LG. One of OINA's most recent accomplishments was a new Bluetooth streaming audio codec named Soundabout Lossless, which promised a dramatic improvement over the prevalent A2DP Bluetooth audio standard.

Qualcomm has yet to formally announce the acquisition of OINA or hint at its intended applications for the patented Bluetooth technology. When we spoke with Open Interface's Rick Romatowski in July of 2007, it was clear that OINA was excited to see its Soundabout Lossless software licensed for use in high-end wireless headphones, car audio, and home theater receivers.

Donald Bell is CNET Reviews' senior editor for MP3 players and portable audio, and one half of the MP3 Insider blog and weekly podcast. He also likes getting his hands dirty with digital audio tools for musicians and DJs.

Topics:: Music

Tags:: Qualcomm,; Open Interface,; Bluetooth,; Wireless,; Audio,; A2DP,; Lossless

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