Cirrus Logic Supports Microsoft Windows Media Technologies 4.0; High-Performance, Low-Power System-on-Chip Will Target New Generation of Low-Cost Portable Music Players.

FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 13, 1999--

Leveraging its extensive audio and system-on-a-chip (SOC) experience, Cirrus Logic (Nasdaq:CRUS) today confirmed it is developing a high-speed, low-power chip solution that will support Microsoft's Windows Media Technologies 4.0.

The new SOC is targeted at supporting the next wave of portable audio players.

"This highly integrated chip solution demonstrates Cirrus Logic's commitment to supporting emerging audio compression standards in a very dynamic market, and our ability to quickly deliver ARM processor-based SOCs that provide high-quality audio in an efficient low-power solution," said Matt Perry, vice president and general manager of Cirrus Logic's Embedded Processors Division.

Commenting on the new audio chip solution, Will Poole, Senior Director Marketing and Business Development for Microsoft's Streaming Media Division, said "Cirrus Logic's capabilities and expertise in the digital audio marketplace are highly regarded. Their support will certainly help us achieve our goal of providing the best possible audio quality for streamed or local playback in low-cost portable playback devices."

As the world's largest supplier of audio integrated circuits, Cirrus Logic is the only chip maker to address all audio market segments (professional, consumer, computer and automotive). The company already supports numerous important audio standards such as Dolby Digital, AC3, DTS, THX and others now emerging or in development. The complete list of supported standards may be found at the company's web site.

Cirrus Logic is a premier supplier of precision linear circuits and advanced mixed-signal chip solutions. The company's products, sold under its own name and the Crystal product brand, enable system-level applications in mass storage, audio and precision data conversion. Additional information about Cirrus Logic is available at www.cirrus.com.

Note to Editors: Cirrus Logic is a registered trademark of Cirrus Logic Inc. Microsoft is either a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.