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19 November 2009

NXT plc

NXT licenses touch feedback technology from Immersion Corporation

NXT plc, a provider of unique sound solutions, best known for its flat panel loudspeaker technology, today announced that it has licensed TouchSense haptics technology from Immersion Corporation (NASDAQ: IMMR). The agreement enables NXT and its licensees to additionally benefit from Immersion's touch feedback intellectual property for touch screen and touch panel applications.

Leveraging their world class understanding of bending wave physics, NXT scientists have developed a novel way of creating haptic feedback from touch screens and touch panels by differentiating the audio signal normally deployed in NXT's distributed mode loudspeakers. The audio signal is optimised to deliver tactile vibrations so that touch screens can be either tuned to simultaneously function as a loudspeaker or operate almost silently but with haptic feedback, depending on applications and customer requirements.

In signing the agreement with Immersion NXT and NXT licensees will benefit from access to Immersion's patents and their considerable knowledge in this field, enabling haptic feedback for a wide range of touch enabled products.

Commenting on the licence, Craig Vachon, senior vice president and general manager of Immersion's Touch line of business said "our haptics technology is a key complement to NXT's solutions. We're pleased to partner with them to extend the power of our TouchSense technology to even more innovative applications."

NXT chief executive, Peter Thoms, said "having developed our physics-based bending wave haptics technology to the point of near optimum performance, I am delighted to be signing this agreement with Immersion, since it gives NXT access to Immersion's complementary technologies. Working with Immersion, the recognized leader in touch feedback technology, we look forward to developing the total market for haptic feedback-enabled touch devices by delivering genuinely differentiated products that will enhance user experiences across countless applications." 

For further information, please contact:

James Bullen

Head of Marketing 

NXT plc

t: +852 6821 1651

About NXT 

NXT's commitment to inventiveness in sound and touch has enabled it to deliver new technologies already deployed in audio systems, TVs, PCs and laptops, mobile phones, PA systems, cars, aircraft and in public buildings and facilities around the world. With its unique portfolio of patented technologies and unparalleled expertise in the field of bending wave physics, NXT helps its partners invent, create and market innovative sound solutions that offer sustainable differentiation.

NXT is fully listed on the London Stock Exchange (symbol NTX) and has operations in Hong Kong, Japan and the USA as well as the UK. Further information is available from www.nxtsound.com.

About Immersion 

Haptic (touch) technology is key to the future of user experience in digital devices. Founded in 1993, Immersion harnesses human touch to create user experiences that deliver a more compelling sense of the digital world. Using one of Immersion's adaptable high fidelity haptic systems, partners can achieve a competitive advantage and greater revenue opportunities with products that are more intuitive, satisfying, efficient, and safe. With Immersion technology, world-class companies can deliver improved user experiences in products such as widely popular video games, leading video console gaming systems, advanced automotive driver controls, and award-winning mobile phones. Immersion manufactures its own line of medical simulators that incorporate touch technology. These virtual reality training tools, installed around the world, enable practitioners to improve their practice of sophisticated life-saving surgical procedures prior to operating on patients. With over 800 issued or pending patents in the U.S. and other countries, Immersion is the leading innovator in touch-enabled user experiences that bring the digital universe to life. 

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