Qualcomm Technologies To Continue Developing aptX

Qualcomm Technologies International has announced it is using research and development support from Invest Northern Ireland to help it develop the next generation of its Qualcomm® aptX™ audio technology.

aptX, which was originally developed in Northern Ireland, has helped to significantly improve the quality of audio in devices including wireless headphones, speakers, soundbars and smartphones and can be found in billions of consumer devices globally.

Invest NI Chief Executive, Alastair Hamilton said: "I am delighted that Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd. has chosen Northern Ireland to further develop this ground-breaking technology. The company is a world-renowned innovator with many industry-leading consumer electronic brands such as Sony, Panasonic and Google using its aptX audio technology in their products.

"With this investment in R&D, we are helping Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd. to continue to drive important technology innovation for wireless audio devices from right here in Northern Ireland. The audio industry is changing fast and our support is also helping the company take advantage of Northern Ireland's highly skilled workforce and local tech ecosystem."

Invest Northern Ireland has offered Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd. £472,000 of R&D support, to help develop the new technology.

Anthony Murray, senior vice president and general manager, voice and music, Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd. said: "aptX audio technology has helped to revolutionise the Bluetooth listening experience and more consumers than ever before are choosing wireless streaming as their preferred way of listening to music.

"We have a strong and passionate team of audio engineers and technologists in Ireland and the United Kingdom. R&D support provided by Invest NI will help us to further develop exciting next generation technology for wireless audio and ensure our next generation aptX technology helps to lead the way to new levels of sound quality in wireless audio."

(CD)