SOCKET GETS 4TH PATENT FOR COMBINED I/O AND REMOVABLE MEMORY.

Socket Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: SCKT), Newark, Calif., the Mobile Connection Company, has announced the award of a fourth U.S. Patent, 6,863,557, covering Socket's design for a high- density removable expansion module having data input and output capabilities and removable memory. This invention and patent applies to particular application specific expansion cards or modules used for customizing general purpose PDAs, mobile phones, portable gaming devices or handheld devices which may include an audio player card for digital media stored on removable memory, a bar code scanner card having scanning data stored on removable memory, or a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit with removable memory for maps. Expansion modules may include plug-in cards, plug-on modules, sleeves and jackets for handheld computers, mobile phones, portable gaming devices and other electronic devices.

As mobile devices continue to get smaller and more technologies become available for implementation into these handheld and wearable units, the need for miniaturization and expansion will only increase. One significant way is to combine I/O and memory in a single slot, which the patent covers. Input and output (I/O) expansion technologies used today include wired, wireless, lasers and imagers. As an example, these technologies include: WAN, GPS, Bluetooth, ZigBee, RFID, Wi-Fi, bar code scanning, analog modems, and digital audio and video. This patent applies to these technologies when implemented in removable expansion modules that include removable memory. The removable memory may include Secure Digital (SD), miniSD, microSD (TransFlash), MultiMediaCard (MMC), Reduced-Sized MultiMediaCard (RS-MMC), Memory Sticks (Pro and Duo), CompactFlash and PC Card.

"The reduction in size of mobile devices continues to amaze everyone," said Mike Gifford, Socket's founder, executive president, and co-inventor of the patented technology. "We are experiencing a technology revolution that is allowing many diverse technologies to be implemented for mobile productivity and enjoyment. The combination of input and output technologies like GPS and bar code scanning coupled together with removable memory for maps and data are a natural. Socket looks forward to continuing its role as a pioneer in developing connection technologies to enhance and improve the productivity of the mobile worker."

"Combining input and output technologies with removable memory helps reduce expansion slot contention as devices get smaller and smaller," said Len Ott, Socket's chief technology officer and board representative to the CompactFlash Association and the Secure Digital Association. "By having removable memory available, a user isn't burdened with built- in memory sizes which can lead to device obsolescence, and can use industry standard memory expansion cards which continue to drop in price and increase in density. This patent strengthens our growing patent portfolio. We have over 20 patent applications pending, and are focusing efforts in the area of mobility. Having a stronger patent portfolio gives us an enhanced market position, protecting our products, increasing market barriers of entry for our competition and opening up new licensing opportunities and possible revenue streams."

Socket has already implemented I/O plus removable memory technology in a proprietary CompactFlash and PC Card interface ASIC chip, the mobilityIC IO+Memory, which is available for sale. Potential licensing partners or those interested in purchasing Socket's combination interface ASIC chip should contact Les Lee, director of sales for Socket Communications. Lee can be reached at 510/744-2781.

To find out more about Socket's mobilityIC interface technology, visit http://www.socketcom.com/embedded/asics.asp.

About Socket Communications

Socket Communications, Inc., the Mobile Connection Company, provides a broad range of connectivity and data collection products for mobile devices using Microsoft's Windows Mobile, CE, XP, and Palm, RIM, and Symbian-based operating systems. These mobile devices include PDAs, smartphones, Tablet PCs and notebooks that support standard expansion mechanisms. Socket's Mobility Friendly products are feature-rich while promoting ease of use and lead the market with the smallest footprint and the most Battery Friendly power consumption in their class. Socket's Development Services team provides hardware developers with solutions using mobilityIC interface chips, KwikBlue modules with embedded Bluetooth Wireless Technology, as well as other technologies implemented in Socket's wide range of products.

For more information, call 510/744-2700 or visit http://www.socketcom.com.