Mobile Software Management, today announced support for its market-leading vCurrent® Mobile client software for firmware over-the-air (FOTA) updating on Texas Instruments' (TI) LoCosto™ platform for entry-range handsets. 

Red Bend will be providing handset manufacturers with a pre-tested and optimized solution for rapid, reliable and secure FOTA updating on entry-level mobile devices using TI's LoCosto technology. With this solution, manufacturers can more quickly bring to market cost-efficient, entry-range handsets that are capable of receiving continuous software improvements over-the-air -- a capability already available in higher-end handsets and smartphones. The solution allows manufacturers in the entry-level mobile device market to protect their tight margins by using FOTA to repair software defects that can create user dissatisfaction and lead to product returns.

"The ability to keep mobile software up to date with the latest enhancements has become an important feature for all mobile devices, and entry-level handsets powered by TI's LoCosto platform are no exception," said Markus Tremmel, worldwide wireless ecosystem manager, Texas Instruments. "By working with Red Bend, customers will be able to efficiently embed this advanced, proven feature in their mass market devices."

TI is the leading manufacturer of wireless semiconductors. Its LoCosto platform provides single-chip solutions from ultra-low to entry-range wireless handsets. The LoCosto family combines the radio and all the baseband processing into one highly integrated solution, reducing component count, board space, power consumption and system cost. As a result, wireless handsets can be made inexpensively and in a compact form factor.

"Manufacturers and operators are making FOTA a requirement to ensure that all mobile devices can be remotely managed," said Yoram Salinger, CEO of Red Bend Software. "Our collaboration with TI shows that Red Bend's FOTA solution is also valuable for the lower tier of the market, where minimizing customer support costs and avoiding product recalls are especially critical to achieving profit targets. Red Bend and TI will continue working together on future platforms to bring even greater efficiencies and capabilities to mobile devices."