Source: CompuServeGEOWORKS AND NEWSBYTES TO DELIVER UP-TO-THE-MINUTE, GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY NEWS TO SMART PHONE CUSTOMERS
Will allow mobile professionals to access breaking, technology-related news from the road using GEOS-enabled smart phones
ALAMEDA, Calif. (September 10, 1996) - Geoworks (Nasdaq: GWRX), developer of GEOS(R) operating system software, and Newsbytes News Network, the largest electronic news service covering computer, telecommunications and online topics, today announced a cooperative effort to package and deliver Newsbytes' award-winning content to smart phones built upon the GEOS platform. The announcement underscores Geoworks' commitment to develop end-to-end solutions for customers of GEOS-based smart phones, and Newsbytes' commitment to provide its timely information through a broad range of communications channels. Newsbytes services targeted for smart phone access include: news summaries from the global high-technology arena, daily Internet business updates, Newsbytes Radio (offering news updates in an audio format), and Newsbytes Pacifica (providing computer and telecommunications news from the Asia Pacific region). "Geoworks is committed to working with partners like Newsbytes to provide the specific information and services smart phone users need when they're on the go," said Jonathan Kaplan, vice president and publisher of Geoworks' Wireless Content and Services Division. "Providing immediate access to Newsbytes' coverage of breaking industry news promises to be a valuable offering for customers of GEOS-based smart phones."
"We see a significant opportunity with Geoworks to expand Newsbytes' platform to the promising new smart phone market," said Wendy Woods, editor-in-chief of the Newsbytes News Network. "Providing anytime, anywhere access to Newsbytes' information services will be invaluable to mobile professionals." "Many people today have found it impractical to 'surf' the Internet's vast resources for specific sets of information," said Michael French, market analyst for Mobile Insights. "This is doubly true for the busy mobile professional, who will look to value-added services that deliver targeted Web content in a consolidated format."
Geoworks' content and service offerings for smart phones will initially be available Fall, 1996 to European customers of the GEOS-based Nokia 9000 smart phone. Geoworks' services are being planned for broad availability throughout Europe, Japan and the U.S. on GSM, PDC, PHS and PCS digital-cellular networks. Smart phones are next-generation, digital-cellular telephones that integrate voice and data transmission capabilities--including voice mail, e-mail, facsimile, and Internet access to content and services--within one handheld device. Available within Europe since August, smart phones are targeted for broad availability within Asia and the U.S. in 1997.
About The Newsbytes News Network
Founded in 1983, Newsbytes is the largest and most comprehensive electronic news service covering the computer, interactive services, and telecommunications industries. More than 180 media outlets--including print publications, online services, and database companies--are licensed to publish Newsbytes wire material. Newsbytes has received the Best Online Publication award five times from the Computer Press Association, the largest organization of professional computer journalists worldwide.
A privately held news organization, Newsbytes News Network is headquartered in Minneapolis, MN. Newsbytes also has bureaus in San Francisco, Denver, Washington D.C., Boston, Los Angeles, Toronto, London, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Sydney, Beijing, Manila, and New Delhi.
For additional information, please contact Newsbytes on the World Wide Web at http://www.newsbytes.com.
About Geoworks
Based in Alameda, California, Geoworks develops and markets the GEOS operating system and application software for the emerging Consumer Computing Devices (CCD) market. The company is focused on enabling the development of smart phones and electronic organizers, and has licensed GEOS to leading manufacturers such as Nokia, Ericsson, NEC, Toshiba Corporation, Hewlett-Packard Company, Brother International Corp. and Canon Business Machines. In keeping with U.S. law, Geoworks notes that the statements concerning the timing and planned availability of wireless content to smart phone users are forward-looking statements. Actual results may vary, due to the timing and development risks inherent in the development of new technologies, and due to the need for complementary technologies and partnerships to develop. Additional information may be found in the Company's 10-K, 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
For additional information on Geoworks and the GEOS operating system, contact Geoworks on the World Wide Web at http://www.geoworks.com.