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Consumer Electronics Daily News Friday, January 6, 2017 4 0 DIALOG SEMICONDUCTOR ANNOUNCES STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP & INVESTMENT WITH ENERGOUS CORP Dialog Semiconductor plc (XETRA:DLG), a provider of highly integrated power management, AC/DC power conversion, solid state lighting (SSL) and Bluetooth ® low energy (LE) technology, announced a strategic invest- ment in Energous Corporation (NAS- DAQ: WATT), the developer of WattUp ® , a revolutionary wire-free charging technology that provides over- the-air power at a distance. Dialog has agreed to make a $10 million investment in Energous and become the exclusive component supplier of the WattUp inte- grated circuits (ICs), while Energous is able to leverage Dialog's broad sales and distribution channels to accelerate mar- ket adoption. Energous' WattUp technology pro- vides a unique and more extensive wireless charging experience compared to traditional coil-based technologies. By sending energy safely through the air using radio frequencies, WattUp is able to deliver intelligent, scalable power in a similar way to a WiFi router. WattUp differs from inductive or reso- nant wireless charging systems in that it delivers power at a distance, to multiple devices, in any orientation, resulting in a wire-free experience that has the abil- ity to transform the way consumers and industries charge and power electronic devices at home, in the office, in the car and beyond. The partnership combines Energous' uncoupled wireless charging technology and Dialog's power saving technologies to drive market expansion. Energous' WattUp technology uses Dialog's SmartBond ® Bluetooth low energy solu- tion as the out-of-band communications channel between the wireless transmitter and receiver. Dialog's power manage- ment technology is then used to distribute power from the WattUp receiver IC to the rest of the device while Dialog's AC/DC Rapid Charge™ power conversion tech- nology efficiently delivers power to the wireless transmitter. WattUp uses small form factor antennas that are formed using the exist- ing device's printed circuit board, remov- ing the need for larger, more expensive coils used in competing solutions today. This enables broader adoption of wire- less charging in a larger range of battery- powered devices, such as smartphones, tablets, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, small form factor wearables and Virtual Reality (VR)/Augmented Reality (AR) devices. Accelerated sales growth will be achieved by leveraging Dialog's strength in delivering volume and tier one cus- tomer access. "This partnership brings two very complementary companies closer together, creating numerous benefits," said Stephen R. Rizzone, President and Chief Executive Officer, Energous. "Energous is pleased to be able to lever- age Dialog's decades of experience in power-saving technologies as well as its robust sales channel, long-term strate- gic relationships and world-class fab and backend operations. Working together, we will be able to accelerate the adoption of the WattUp technology and reshape the way electronic devices are charged." "Partnering with a top tier semicon- ductor company like Dialog also repre- sents a strong validation for Energous as we prepare to launch WattUp-enabled consumer products with our licensees in early 2017," added Rizzone. "Energous' WattUp technology can be thought of as wireless charging 2.0, and delivers a wireless charging experi- ence that is much closer to what con- sumers desire by charging devices close up and at a distance, while in use and without compromising product design or adding excessive cost," said Mark Tyndall, Senior Vice President, Corporate Development and Strategy, Dialog Semiconductor. "This alliance means that Dialog is able to more close- ly align our complementary technolo- gies, supply chain and global sales resources to accelerate the deployment of Energous' WattUp wireless transmit- ter and receiver technology while expanding our innovative use cases and market share." The strategic investment includes positive tactical and strategic implica- tions that will aggressively speed up cus- tomer adoption of WattUp-enabled prod- ucts and streamline chip production. Benefits of the agreement include joint marketing and sales operations, including access to Dialog's channel partners and access to Dialog's customer base to accelerate the adoption of WattUp in smartphone, automotive and emerging IoT applications. About Dialog Semiconductor Dialog Semiconductor is a leading provider of integrated circuits (ICs) that power the Internet of Things. Dialog solutions are integral to some of today's leading mobile devices and the enabling element for increasing performance and productivity on the go. From making smartphones more power efficient, enabling home appliances to be con- trolled from anywhere, to connecting the next generation of wearable devices, Dialog's decades of experience and world-class innovation help manufactur- ers get to what's next. Dialog operates a fabless business model and is a socially responsible employer pursuing many programs to benefit the employees, community, other stakeholders and the environment it operates in. Dialog Semiconductor plc is headquartered in London with a global sales, R&D and marketing organization. In 2015, it had approxi- mately $1.35 billion in revenue and was one of the fastest growing European public semiconductor com- panies. It currently has approximately 1,680 employees worldwide. The com- pany is listed on the Frankfurt (FWB: DLG) stock exchange (Regulated Market, Prime Standard, ISIN GB0059822006) and is a member of the German TecDax index. About Energous Corporation Energous Corporation is the developer of WattUp – an award-winning, wire-free charging technology that will transform the way consumers and industries charge and power electronic devices at home, in the office, in the car and beyond. WattUp is a revolutionary radio frequency (RF) based charging solution that delivers intelligent, scalable power via radio bands, similar to a WiFi router. WattUp differs from current wireless charging systems in that it delivers contained power, at a distance, to multiple devices, thus resulting in a wire-free experience that saves users from having to remember to plug in their devices. For more information, visit www .energous.com or www.dialog-semi conductor.com. JABRA CHOOSES COMPLY FOAM TIPS FOR HIGH-TECH, SPECIAL-EDITION HEADPHONES When Jabra needed precision-engineered foam tips to accessorize its latest inven- tion – next-generation wireless sports headphones – Jabra chose the Isolation Series of Comply™ Foam Tips from Hearing Components, Inc. The new Jabra Sports Pulse and Jabra Sports Coach Special Edition head- phones also mark two new world first's in the sports audio sector for Jabra. Besides offering quality calls, music for motivation and intelligent in-ear coach- ing to help enhance training effective- ness, the Jabra Special Editions come with automatic repetition counting and VO2 max testing. Jabra includes the Isolation Series tips as the standard foam tips for the spe- cial editions, because of their superior quality, noise blocking capabilities and comfort. Using proprietary memory foam technology, Comply premium tips are body-heat activated to conform to the unique shape of an individual's ear canals. This dynamic, custom fit stays put, while sealing in all frequencies for a fuller sound. Plus, the breathable memo- ry foam provides all-day comfort by eliminating the in-ear irritation and fatigue often associated with traditional silicone tips. In addition, the Isolation Series keeps the earbuds securely in place throughout even the most rigorous workouts. "Being selected by one of the world's most renowned headphone makers is an honor – and a testament to the superior performance of our technology," said Steve Trinter, Director of Sales and Marketing for Hearing Components. "We're eager to share the advantages our foam tips with even more people – includ- ing Jabra loyalists – around the world." Calum MacDougall, Senior Vice President at Jabra, said, "I'm really excit- ed that Jabra now brings to market a range of innovative headphones with better sound, more options for a perfect fit and a host of world-first sports fea- tures. Jabra Sport Coach and Pulse Special Editions are evidence of our commitment to lead in the field of intelli- gent sound solutions." For a complete list of Comply Foam tips retailers, visit www.complyfoam .com/authorized-retailers. For more information about the Comply foam tips and the full line of Comply products, visit www.comply foam.com. For more information on the new Jabra Sport Pulse Special Edition and Jabra Sport Coach Special Edition, visit www.jabra.com/sports-headphones. About Comply Foam Hearing Components, manufacturer of Comply products, was founded in 1990 to identify and create unique, innovative foam solutions that enhance and protect hearing. The U.S. National Institute of Health has awarded several grants to Hearing Components to study the ear and mechanics of hearing, with the intent to improve and protect hearing. Comply technology is used in con- sumer electronic products; military, secu- rity, law enforcement and industrial com- munication devices; audiology devices; commercial aviation communication devices; and for critical communication and/or noise isolation in high-noise envi- ronments. Comply is an R&D company focus- ing on dramatically improving the physi- cal connection between a person's per- sonal audio and ears. With more than 20 years of clinical in-ear experience, and Ph.D-level knowledge of and expertise in biochemistry and comfort-focused sound technology, Comply has improved the quality of listening. About Jabra Jabra is a leading international developer and manufacturer of a broad range of communications and sound solutions committed to let people hear more, do more and be more than they ever thought possible. The consumer and business divisions of Jabra markets corded and wireless headsets, plus mobile and in- office speakerphones that empower indi- viduals and businesses through increased freedom of movement, comfort and func- tionality. Jabra is the brand of GN Audio, a subsidiary of GN. As part of the GN group Jabra has a reputation for innova- tion, reliability and ease of use that goes back almost 150 years. GN operates in more than 90 countries across the world, has more than 5,000 employees and is listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen. For more information, visit www.comply foam.com or www.jabra.com.