Qualcomm has agreed to pay $36 million in cash to acquire Trigenix, a wireless user interface company. The CDMA technology developer sees the deal as a way to boost its user interface offerings, as well as make them more customizable.

As part of the deal, Qualcomm will receive Trigenix's UI development technologies, products and tools. By incorporating Trigenix's Trigplayer with its BREW client software, BREW operators and device manufacturers will be able to custom build core phone functionalities, like messaging menus, color schemes and address books, according to Qualcomm.

"Qualcomm's acquisition of Trigenix marks a significant next step in the company's efforts to bring enhanced 3G wireless data services to Europe," said Peggy Johnson, Qualcomm's president of Internet Services.