Qualcomm Launched Skifta Media Shifting Platform

Qualcomm Atheros has developed a media shifting platform around its Skifta framework.  The new Skifta Media shifting platform will allow CE manufacturers to develop Skifta powered devices that will allow us to wirelessly access and stream entertainment content around the home.  The Skifta Wireless Audio Adapter hardware kit will be the first component to be release – in the first quarter of this year.

Skifta hardware development kits and embedded software for manufacturers will be available for products in the Skifta product line, including modules for stereos, wireless speakers, TVs, set-top boxes, wireless routers, network attached storage (NAS) drives and other digital A/V adapters.

Homes with legacy audio devices will be able to use the Skifta Wireless Audio Adapter hardware kit to add support for UPnP and DLNA devices.

The Skifta platform additionally incorporates a channel library, which provides manufacturers with a selection of cloud-based content they can offer their customers. Skifta channels give immediate access to Facebook Photos, Picasa, Flickr, Photobucket, Soma.fm, ShoutCast, Revision 3, TED Talks and more.

"The Skifta Platform is at the heart of a new connected home strategy from Qualcomm Atheros designed to push the boundaries of smart devices and provide endless entertainment opportunities for users," said Dan Rabinovitsj, senior vice president and general manager, networking business unit, Qualcomm Atheros. “The Skifta product line is a unique bundling of compatible hardware and software with benefits that will appeal to manufacturers and consumers alike."