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Media Contact:
Charles Oliva
Vindigo Studios
pr@vindigo.com
Vindigo 2.0 for J2ME Available on AT&T Wireless' mMode Service
Vindigo Service Now Available on All Major Mobile Phone and Handheld
Platforms
NEW YORK, Feb. 4, 2003 - Vindigo, the leading provider
of personal navigation services for wireless and mobile devices, today announces
that its award-winning application, Vindigo 2.0, is available to AT&T Wireless
customers with J2ME-enabled mobile phones. With the debut of its Java-enabled
service, the company now supports every major wireless and mobile device
platform. Vindigo 2.0 is available for a monthly subscription fee of $3.50,
which appears on AT&T Wireless customers' mobile phone bill. New users can
download a 10-day trial, free of charge.
Already popular among business professionals, the Yankee Group predicts
sales of J2ME-enabled cell phones will increase 79 percent to 17.6 million
units in the United States in 2003. Internet-ready J2ME phones are becoming
increasingly attractive to mainstream consumers, largely driven by a growing
number of practical J2ME-based applications.
"Wireless data services is a high-growth market in the United States, with
120 million users expected by 2006. J2ME is a dominant player in this space
because it allows developers to easily deploy content-rich applications
on small, mobile devices," said Linda Barrabee, senior analyst, wireless/mobile
services for the Yankee Group. "Vindigo 2.0 is ideally suited to the J2ME
platform because it offers a vast amount of useful information in an easy-to-use
package."
AT&T Wireless mMode customers using J2ME-enabled phones can download Vindigo
2.0 wirelessly to access entertainment and local information, including
restaurant reviews, museum exhibits, bars, stores, movie reviews and show
times. Vindigo 2.0 also includes detailed information about services such
as the location of the closest ATMs, gas stations, parking garages and police
stations. The comprehensive service offers ratings and reviews from brand-name
content providers, full-color maps and driving directions to any listing.
With Vindigo 2.0, users instantly gain a wealth of information about where
to eat, shop and play in more than 50 major U.S. markets.
"J2ME cell phones already have the power and flexibility to run information-rich
applications, but until recently, 'must-have' consumer applications were
a missing link. Vindigo 2.0's strong consumer appeal will help broaden the
U.S. market for wireless data services, offering consumers access to compelling
content on a device they already carry," said Jason Devitt, chief executive
officer of Vindigo.
J2ME support enhances the breadth of Vindigo 2.0 applications, which have
been available for Palm OS and PocketPC devices since 2000. Vindigo 2.0
for BREW mobile phones became available in 2002. The company continues building
partnerships with major wireless services providers throughout the United
States to deliver compelling content and help drive demand for application-rich
wireless devices.
AT&T Wireless' mMode service gives people fast and easy access to a variety
of communication, information, and entertainment services from the keypad
of their wireless phone. mMode is available now in thousands of cities from
coast to coast where AT&T Wireless has upgraded to its GSM/GPRS next-generation
network. For more information visit www.attwireless.com/mmode.
About Vindigo
Vindigo is the leading provider of personal navigation services for wireless
and mobile devices. Vindigo's proprietary technology and network of content
partners enables it to offer compelling and comprehensive applications to
carriers and consumers via Palm Powered™ and Pocket PC handheld devices,
and Internet-enabled mobile phones including BREW handsets. Vindigo enables
people to explore, enjoy, and connect to the world around them.
All names may be the trademarks of their respective
companies.
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