Source: Geoworks web siteHOTWIRED JOINS GEOWORKS' SMART PHONE PUBLISHING INITIATIVE
Will enable users of GEOS-based smart phones to access customized content from HotWired Network
ALAMEDA, Calif. (July 1, 1996)--Geoworks (Nasdaq/National Market System Symbol: GWRX), developer of GEOS(R) operating system software, today announced it will work with HotWired Inc., a premier developer of Internet programming, to explore delivery of Web-based content to GEOS-based smart phones. As part of the pilot program, these smart phones will also receive a unique version of HotWired's weekly "HotFlash," a service which provides updated news briefs about content available on the Hotwired Network.
"More and more people today are looking to access Internet-based information from wherever they are," said Andrew Anker, CEO of HotWired. "By partnering with Geoworks, we can provide HotWired's original content, innovative design and news analysis to emerging users of advanced digital smart phones, helping them stay on the cutting edge of what's happening no matter what time or where they are."
"Helping enable access to tailored World Wide Web content is a very significant value-add Geoworks can provide users of GEOS-based smart phones," said Jonathan Kaplan, vice president/publisher of content and services at Geoworks. "HotWired is an ideal match for Geoworks due to the parallels between readers of its leading-edge content and the likely profile of early smart phone adopters."
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.
"IDC believes one of the key features users will require of smart phones is their ability to access content on the World Wide Web," said Diana Hwang, analyst for market research firm IDC/LINK.
GEOS, a graphical operating system, has been optimized for the smart phone category with its support for leading communications protocols and its ability to track and organize a variety of messages, including e-mail, fax, voice and paging. The system requires limited hardware resources, and provides advanced functionality which allows hardware manufacturers to deliver products on an open platform for the addition of third-party software and PC connectivity.
Launched in October of 1994, HotWired Inc. is a premier developer of news and entertainment on the World Wide Web. By adding graphics, sounds, video and interactivity to sharp reporting, HotWired is developing a new means of storytelling with an excitement and immediacy shaped by the Net. HotWired members are linked in a planet-wide conversation--a model of the discourse that will transform our world in the next millennium. Sites include the HotWired Network (http://www.hotwired.com), Suck (http://www.suck.com) and the search engine HotBot (http://www.hotbot.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 this press release includes forward-looking statements, including the intention to develop and support smart phone access to Web-based content, forecasts by third parties concerning the potential for smart phone market growth, and the emergence of GEOS as a leading force in the market. Actual results may vary significantly due to various risks and uncertainties. Those include, but are not limited to, the following: i) the smart phone market may not emerge to the degree or in the timing anticipated; ii) the need to consummate a definitive agreement with HotWired; and ii) browsing Web-based content is dependent upon the development of complementary technologies and alliances. Additional information is available in the Risk Factors and Business discussions in the Company's Forms 10-K, 10-Q and other filings available from the Company or from 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.