Universal Electronics Launches Latest in the UEI iSeries Line of Universal Entertainment Control Solutions for Smartphones and Tablets at Mobile World Congress

SANTA ANA, California, Feb. 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Electronics Inc. (UEI) (Nasdaq: UEIC) today announced the latest in the UEI iSeries line of infrared (IR) blaster hardware solutions,  i-TWO and Quickset 2.3 control software for smartphones and tablets.

As the leader in universal entertainment device control, UEI has pioneered the integration of infrared control in smart devices, dating back to its collaboration with HP on the iPAQ PocketPC in 2002, which was one of the first personal digital assistants (PDA) to integrate universal AV control in a multi-purpose handheld touchscreen device.

Today's smartphone and tablet manufacturers have continued this legacy by embracing the concept and are embedding universal AV control as one of the key features of their mobile device platforms – supported by the recent addition of native IR control API from within Android 4.4. (Kitkat).

Consumer research, conducted by Accenture in 2013, showed that smartphone usage while watching TV has grown from 42 percent in 2012 to a staggering 68 percent in 2013.  With the majority of AV devices in the market utilizing infrared control, mobile handset manufacturers are driving the adoption of infrared as a standard feature in today's smartphones.  By integrating home entertainment control into this growing "consumer habit," mobile device manufacturers can strengthen the association of mobile devices with the evolving home entertainment experience.

As the innovative leader in device control, UEI successfully designed, developed, and launched UEI Quickset in 2008, a solution currently deployed in over 70 million home entertainment devices around the world, on a variety of platforms and operating systems, such as Linux, Windows, and Android. 

UEI Quickset delivers the simplest and most intuitive universal remote control setup and control experience available today.  This technology can enable a smartphone or tablet and remote control app to be set up and programmed to control virtually any television or entertainment device in the home, with minimal or no user input.

UEI's device code database is a key component to successful device control.  UEI's database is the industry's leading device database for universal entertainment control, giving users access to literally hundreds of thousands of control functions for virtually all digital entertainment and home automation devices in the world.  With over 98 percent of installed TVs in the market supported, users across the globe can benefit from UEI's ability to deliver the right control code for their specific device.

In addition to its world-leading infrared control database and QuickSet SDK, UEI also offers one of the smallest standard infrared blaster chips, with a footprint that is 90% smaller than UEI's traditional IR control silicon, and includes features such as built-in learning and driver circuitry that eliminates the need for external components.  This makes it the ideal solution for smartphone and tablet manufacturers, where board space is at a premium.

"Control of home entertainment devices and other remote controlled electronics is just a logical next step for smart phone and tablet manufactures," said Paul Arling, Chairman and Chief Executive of Universal Electronics.  "We view the second screen as a complimentary content navigation and control experience to the traditional remote.  Our 27 years of experience in integrating control software and hardware for service providers and OEMs makes UEI uniquely positioned in the market to provide the absolute best solutions."

Universal Electronics will be demonstrating its complete portfolio of control solutions for mobile and second screen devices, including the smallest integrated IR Blaster i-TWO and some of its latest innovative features and concepts, such as:

• Smart Air condition with LCD control; as well as
• a smart app to automatically give users control access of entertainment equipment in most hotels worldwide.

Please join Universal Electronics at their Stand 8.1K14 in Hall App Planet – Hall 8.1 at the Mobile Word Congress in Barcelona, Spain on February 24 - 27, 2014.

About Universal Electronics

Founded in 1986, Universal Electronics Inc. (UEI) is the global leader in wireless control technology for the connected home. UEI designs, develops, and delivers innovative solutions that enable consumers to control entertainment devices, digital media, and home systems.   The company's broad portfolio of patented technologies and database of infrared control software have been adopted by many Fortune 500 companies in the consumer electronics, subscription broadcast, and computing industries. UEI sells and licenses wireless control products through distributors and retailers under the One For All® brand name. For additional information, visit our website at www.uei.com.

All trademarks appearing herein are the property of their respective owners.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the Safe-Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Words and expressions reflecting something other than historical fact are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including the timely development, delivery and market acceptance of products and technologies identified in this release; the continued rollout of IR based features and functions in smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices; the continued penetration and growth of the products and consumer technologies identified in this release; and other factors described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The actual results that the Company achieves may differ materially from any forward looking statement due to such risks and uncertainties.  The Company undertakes no obligations to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release.