Oct 8 2008
Microvision, Inc., a global leader in innovative ultra-miniature projection display and image capture products for mobility applications, and Asia Optical Co., Inc., a leading manufacturer of electro-optical components, today announced they have entered into a Supply Agreement for Asia Optical to produce products based on Microvision's proprietary PicoP(TM) technology. Under the agreement, Asia Optical will manufacture PicoP display engines and Microvision's first stand-alone accessory Pico projector product. Design for manufacturing collaboration between the two companies for high-volume production has already begun. The first units manufactured under the agreement are expected to be completed later this year.
Global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and distributors that are seeking to integrate Pico projectors into their product portfolios have shown strong interest in Microvision's ultra-miniature, low-power PicoP display engine because of its ability to produce bright, large-size, high-resolution, color-rich images that are always in focus. Potential applications for the PicoP display engine include embedded or accessory projectors for mobile phones, personal media players, laptops and hand-held gaming devices.
Alexander Tokman, Microvision President and CEO, stated, “Our PicoP go-to-market strategy leverages strategic supply chain partnerships and we are very excited to formally announce our partnership with Asia Optical. Asia Optical's production capabilities are outstanding. They are one of the world's largest high-volume and vertically integrated manufacturers of digital cameras, high-precision lenses, photonic modules, DVD engines and electronics assemblies. This agreement represents a major milestone in our PicoP commercialization plan.”
Robert Lai, Asia Optical Founder, Chairman and CEO, commented, “Microvision has an outstanding display technology that we believe will revolutionize the mobile handset marketplace. We strongly believe that Microvision's PicoP display will allow OEMs to enhance the value of their existing and future products as well as provide consumers new and exciting mobile projection display functionality that can not be achieved through traditional display technologies. With our strong global manufacturing and vertical products integration capabilities as well as the extensive experience in working with leading global consumer electronics companies, we are confident that the products we deliver on behalf of Microvision will excite OEMs and the millions of consumers who are looking for high-quality display projection capabilities from their mobile devices.”