Picsel Technologies

About Picsel Technologies

Picsel Technologies, founded in Glasgow, Scotland in 1998 by Imran Khand and Dr. Majid Anwar, specialized in developing software for mobile and handheld devices. Khand, with a degree in Computer Science from Paisley University, had established two other technology companies before co-founding Picsel. The company's core offering was software that enabled viewing and editing of office documents on mobile phones, a significant development in the pre-smartphone era.

The firm's business model centered on licensing its software to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Its technology was incorporated into over 600 million handsets worldwide, with major clients including Samsung, LG, Sharp, Sony Ericsson, and Motorola. One of the most well-known devices featuring Picsel's software was the Samsung SGH-D600 mobile phone. Picsel's main product, which eventually became known as SmartOffice, was recognized for its cross-platform compatibility and high-fidelity document rendering. The company's success led to it being named Scotland's software company of the year in 2007 and receiving the Queen's Award for Enterprise in 2008.

Despite its initial success and raising significant venture capital, Picsel Technologies faced persistent financial challenges. The company entered administration in July 2009 due to cash flow problems stemming from customers delaying new product developments during the economic downturn. What followed was a series of restructurings, including a management buyout that formed Picsel UK Ltd, which continued to develop the technology. This entity also entered liquidation in 2012, succeeded by Smartoffice Technologies Ltd, which itself went into administration in 2013. In February 2014, the remaining intellectual property, including the source code and the Picsel and SmartOffice brands, were acquired by Artifex Software Inc. Artifex has continued to develop and license the SmartOffice technology, making it available through app stores for various platforms and continuing the OEM licensing model established by Picsel's founders.