Skyhook Wireless Partners with ReignCom to Power the First Location-Aware Personal Media Player
iriver W10 is the First Location Aware Device that Includes the Wi-Fi Positioning System for Local Mobile Search and Navigation
LAS VEGAS , NV–January 9, 2007 – Skyhook Wireless Inc., provider of the Wi-Fi Positioning System ™ ( WPS), today announced at the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) that ReignCom, a Korean manufacturer of media devices, will launch the Wi-Fi enabled iriver W10 portable media player with the Wi-Fi Positioning System from Skyhook Wireless. This device will be the first commercially available media player with location awareness, and will provide consumers with accurate location, enabling them to easily find places and things around them.
ReignCom, known in the U.S. for its iriver brand of MP3 players, is unveiling a prototype of the iriver W10 portable media player at the NavTeq booth (#36226) at CES this week.
The iriver W10 media player is designed for the “urban explorer.” At a slim 14 mm thick, the iriver W10 comes loaded with full-function multimedia capability. The Wi-Fi Positioning System provides accurate location information by detecting Wi-Fi access points in range and comparing them against a database of geo-located points. Unlike GPS or cell tower systems, the WPS works indoors and in dense urban areas. Not only can a W10 user listen to music, watch movies, or play games on the go, but can also navigate and retrieve information about what is around them.
The iriver W10 comes preloaded with a mobile search guide that allows users to locate and navigate to local Points of Interest (POIs) such as banks, ATMs, transit stops and tourist destinations as well as access rich content like information on hotels, restaurants and shopping. The W10 highlights the trend toward more feature-rich media players and is ideal for those who want to explore everything that a city has to offer.
“The iriver W10 reinforces ReignCom's strong commitment to enter the Location Based Services space and represents a real breakthrough in the way mobile urban consumers can use personal multimedia players to explore the exciting options of the city around them,“ stated Kenny Choe , marketing director , ReignCom. “ Skyhook's innovative location platform enables ReignCom to deliver a more compelling mobile experience for our customers.”
“The iriver W10 is the first device that relies on the Wi-Fi Positioning System, rather than a GPS chip, to enable navigation,” said Michael Shean, co-founder and vice president of business development for Skyhook Wireless. “The W10 is more accurate and reliable in urban areas than other navigation systems and it sets a new standard for personal media player capabilities.”
The iriver W10 will be commercially available in the US in April 2007.
About ReignCom
iriver is the global brand for Digital Entertainment enthusiasts. i river has become known for its foresight and strategic approach to be always the first market player to implement innovative technology and new standards in mass production products. i river was founded in 2000, is headquartered in Seoul, Korea and is a fully owned subsidiary of Korean Reigncom Ltd. Consumers can access and experience audio , video , education programming and download iriver's consumer software at http://www.iriver.com .
About Skyhook Wireless
Founded in 2003, Skyhook Wireless has pioneered the development of the first-ever metro-area positioning system that leverages Wi-Fi rather than satellites or cell towers to deliver precise location data supporting the growing market for location-based services. The Skyhook Wi-Fi Positioning System ( WPS) requires no new hardware, works indoors and outdoors, provides an instant location and is more accurate than current technologies in congested downtown areas. WPS is currently serves over 70% of the US population. Skyhook Wireless is headquartered in Boston, MA and is privately held. Investors include Bain Capital, Intel Capital and Nokia. For more information visit www.skyhookwireless.com , or call 617-314-9802.
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Beth Winkowski
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