On a mission to accelerate global WiMAX adoption,Digifriends Co. Ltd. and NextWave Wireless Inc. announced the development of a sophisticated, WiMAX-enabled Mobile Internet Device (MID) – the M3 – powered by NextWave’s NW2000 WiMAX chipset.

Expected to debut in 2H 2009, the much anticipated MID will bring new mobile multimedia features to the palms of global users, by tapping the power of WiMAX to deliver higher-speed access to next-generation content and services.

The Digifriends—NextWave relationship symbolizes the innovation WiMAX will bring to the international marketplace. By focusing on the development of robust, feature-rich devices that leverage the advantages of WiMAX connectivity, the two companies expect to advance end-users’ mobile multimedia experiences, expand operator service innovation, and spur WiMAX adoption, globally.

Embedded with NextWave’s Wave 2-ready “No Compromise” NW2000 WiMAX chipset, the M3 MID is optimized to deliver outstanding performance of bandwidth-intensive mobile multimedia applications, including advanced gaming, streaming video of user-generated content, video conferencing/chat, Voice-over-IP (VoIP) and, where supported by operators, NextWave’s MXtv mobile broadcast over WiMAX feature.

The M3 also allows for high-speed Internet browsing, integrated WiMAX-WiFi-Bluetooth connectivity and offers a number of distinctive add-on accessories and peripheral components, including a keyboard, stand and speakers, to further extend WiMAX-powered service opportunities.

“We expect to see an explosion of consumer and operator excitement for WiMAX in 2009, fueled by the introduction of innovative devices – like the M3 – that offer end-users a completely new mobile multimedia experience,” said Byung Kang Park, CEO, Digifriends. “We are confident that the M3’s entry into the global market will accelerate the path to WiMAX, as it offers unique features that leverage the innovative technology found in NextWave Wireless’ WiMAX chipset.”

“As the WiMAX market matures and the demand for devices grows stronger, device manufacturers, like Digifriends, will need to distinguish themselves in the market by delivering solutions that exceed end-user and operator expectations,” said James Brailean, Ph. D., CEO, Mobile Products Division, NextWave Wireless. “We believe our WiMAX chipset is that distinguishing factor, and will set Digifriends’ M3 Mobile Internet Device apart from other WiMAX devices available. Our chipset was designed with a “No Compromise” approach so that once embedded into a device, users can experience a full mobile multimedia experience without compromising on features, performance, or battery life.”

NextWave’s NW2000 family of advanced mobile WiMAX chipsets is ideally suited for high-volume, small form-factor wireless broadband devices. The chipset includes an 802.16e-based mobile subscriber baseband System-On-a-Chip (SoC), and complementary single-chip, highly integrated, multi-band Radio Frequency (RF) transceivers, offering optimized dual independent receive chains for mobile applications.

Evaluation/System Development Kit samples were made available in Q2 2008, enabling wireless device manufacturers the opportunity to quickly and cost-effectively develop mobile WiMAX products.

Other exciting features of the M3 MID include: a 1.3-inch hard disk drive with capacities rated at between 30 and 60 GB, and two built-in digital cameras – a 2 MP camera for capturing still images and a 0.3 MP Webcam on the screen side – empowering users with mobile video chat functionality.