COMDEX `99 a Showcase for MIPS-based Applications: 30+ 'Post-PC' Era Devices Utilizing MIPS Technologies' IP.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 1, 1999--

Sony AIBO Entertainment Robot and PlayStation 2 Demonstrated; Dozens of Handheld PCs, Digital Cameras, Information Appliances and Printers

Feature MIPS-based 32- and 64-bit Processors

MIPS Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:MIPS) today announced that dozens of new systems powered by the MIPS(R) architecture were showcased at the recent COMDEX `99 show in Las Vegas. This year's show, widely seen as illustrating the market's evolution into a "beyond the PC" era, introduced a number of new information appliances, digital cameras, handheld PCs and office automation systems based on the MIPS architecture. Highlighting the show were new initiatives by Microsoft, Sony and others that reflect the market trends that will drive continued growth of embedded MIPS-based processors.

Sony Corporation President and CEO Nobuyuki Idei highlighted three key hardware platforms for the new digital age: digital entertainment devices (TVs and set-top boxes), mobile computing devices, and advanced game consoles such as the Sony PlayStation 2 video game entertainment system in his Comdex keynote address. Sony, a licensee of MIPS Technologies, has already indicated that MIPS-based processor IP (intellectual property) will power its upcoming digital set-top box systems and the PlayStation 2 game console. In addition to showing a demonstration of the highly anticipated PlayStation 2, Sony featured a demonstration of its MIPS-based AIBO Entertainment Robot. Originally only 5,000 AIBO units were manufactured with the first 3,000 units snapped up in 18 minutes of Japanese retail sales. Sony announced that 10,000 additional units would be manufactured.

"MIPS-based 32- and 64-bit processors have become the preferred choice of OEMs developing advanced digital entertainment devices such as digital and Internet-enabled set-top boxes, game consoles and personal video recorders," said Brian Knowles, vice president of marketing at MIPS Technologies. "This is because of the power of the architecture and the flexibility of MIPS Technologies' IP business model."

A highlight of the show was Bill Gates unveiling the new "MSN Web Companion," a notebook-sized device that uses Microsoft's Windows(R) CE operating system and connects to the Internet using Microsoft's MSN Internet service. While noting that companies such as Acer and Philips Electronics, a licensee of MIPS Technologies, among others will manufacture the system, Microsoft clearly hopes that the new product initiative will propagate wider use of its Windows CE handheld operating system. "This is good news for MIPS Technologies because more Windows CE systems utilize MIPS-based processor IP," points out Knowles. "We anticipate that even more manufacturers will turn to the proven MIPS architecture to power their advanced Windows CE devices."

Many Windows CE palm-sized PCs, handheld PCs, information appliances and wireless Internet connection devices were on display at the show. A major hit were two mobile Windows CE-based systems from Casio powered by 64-bit MIPS-based processors, the Cassiopia E-105 and the E-110 palm-sized PCs. These devices were highlighted on numerous broadcast roundups because of their innovative color video display that enabled full-color video playback of real-time video captured with an attachable video camera. The E-105 with 16 Mbytes of RAM and the E-110 with 32 Mbytes of RAM are powered by a 131 MHz 64-bit processor from NEC Corporation, a MIPS Technologies licensee. These new systems can show 16-bit color (65,000 hues) on a TFT-LCD display, and play digital music in stereo.

Mainbrace Corporation also introduced at the show its first low cost wireless Windows CE-based web appliance that allows users to access the Internet from any location in the home. The web appliance, also featuring an advanced MIPS-based processor, can communicate to the Internet through a wireless Ethernet connection to a cordless modem base station or through a direct link with a local personal computer connected to an ISP. A touch screen and stylus, along with a soft keyboard, provide an easy-to-use interface. A stereo headphone jack and IrDA (infrared) port give the user a high quality user experience and the freedom of wireless links to printers and PCs.

Compaq Computer Corporation displayed its recently announced MIPS-based products, the Aero 1350, the thinnest Windows CE-based palm-sized PC available, and the Aero 2180 color palm-sized PC. At 0.5 inches thick and weighing only 5 ounces, the Aero 1350 puts robust Windows CE palm-sized PC performance into a lightweight pocket-sized package. Included in both platforms are personal information management software, and a suite of additional applications. The Aero 2180 provides a TFT color display that is viewable even in direct sunlight.

Sharp Corporation showcased its comprehensive line of Mobilon(TM) handheld PCs (H/PCs) which run the Microsoft(R) Windows CE operating system and are powered by MIPS-based CPUs. Sharp featured the Mobilon TriPad PV-6000 and the sub-notebook sized Mobilon Pro PV-5000, both of which are powered by 64-bit 70MHz MIPS-based CPUs from NEC; as well as the pocket-sized Mobilon HC-4600, powered by a 32-bit 75MHz MIPS-based CPU from Philips Semiconductor.

NEC Corporation was also showing its MobilePro Handheld PCs, which use NEC's 64-bit MIPS-based CPUs. These systems run Microsoft Windows CE, Handheld PC Professional Edition, that comes pre-installed with pocket versions of key applications. The MobilePro H/PCs family also supports thin client and web applications.

LSI Logic, another licensee of MIPS Technologies, demonstrated its new SC2000 digital set-top box solution that is powered by a single chip that integrates the functions of DVB transport and MPEG-2 audio/video decoding, a 2-D graphics engine, a multi-standard video encoder and audio DACs with a TinyRISC MIPS-based processor.

About MIPS Technologies, Inc.

MIPS Technologies, Inc. is the world's primary architect of embedded 32- and 64-bit RISC processors. The company drives the broadest architectural alliance that is delivering 32- and 64-bit embedded RISC solutions. The company licenses its intellectual property to semiconductor manufacturing companies, ASIC developers, and system OEMs. MIPS Technologies, Inc. and its licensees offer the widest range of robust, scalable processors in standard, custom, semi-custom and application-specific products.

Licensees currently include: Alchemy Microprocessor Design Group; ATI; Broadcom Corporation; Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing; CommQuest (IBM); General Instruments; Integrated Device Technology, Inc. (IDT); Lara Technology; LSI Logic Corporation; Macronix; NEC Corporation; NKK Corporation; Philips Semiconductors; Quantum Effect Design, Inc. (QED); Sony Corporation; SiByte; Synova; Texas Instruments Incorporated and Toshiba Corporation. Numerous companies utilize MIPS-based(TM) intellectual property. MIPS Technologies, Inc. is based in Mountain View, California, and can be reached at 650-567-5000 or http://www.mips.com.

MIPS-based is a trademark and MIPS is a registered trademark of MIPS Technologies, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective companies. All press materials are available on the World Wide Web via: http://www.mips.com.