Simplicity and Power Meet at Magic Cap, New Communications Software from General Magic; Communications Software That’s Easy to Use is Hard to Beat
SUNNYVALE, Calif. — October 7, 1996 — Facing the day-to-day struggles of the global marketplace, Small Office/Home Office entrepreneurs have been confronted with unnecessary challenges.
Have you ever had trouble using your communications software? Has your computer become so complex to set up and use that you spend more time managing your communications software than you do your business?
General Magic (NASDAQ:GMGC) has taken an important step toward ending the era of communications frustration. Today the company introduced Magic Cap for Windows 95, an easy-to-learn and easy-to-use software program that handles your e-mail, fax and paging needs, and still has enough power left over to organize your life. Gone are the hassles of "configuring NNTP and SMTP servers with your IP address."
Magic Cap for Windows 95 is designed for Small Office/Home Office users who don't have time for the frustrations of complex software configuration, but still need the communications power of a large business.
"We wanted to make a product that even I could use at work to schedule a meeting, or use at home while watching a football game," said Steve Markman, chairman and chief executive officer of General Magic, adding that "powerful software doesn't have to be complicated; I'm proud of what we've accomplished."
Easy to Use
Bringing cyberspace back to earth, Magic Cap uses an intuitive interface, made up of real-world objects. Want to fax someone? Click on the fax machine. Want to make sure you're reminded of that important business lunch? Click on the datebook.
"By the time we were done with this product, I wanted users to be able to forget they were using their computer; you don't think about using a pencil when you're using it," Markman said, adding that "software should be that easy."
But the simplicity shouldn't fool you. Magic Cap puts the power of computing where today's small businessperson needs it most. Doing tasks you'd rather not do.
Take for example a new contact you've made from e-mail. Magic Cap will automatically take that person's name and make a new card for them for your address book. Get an invitation from a fellow Magic Cap user? Just click accept and it's automatically entered into your datebook.
Banish On-line Hassles
Besides an easy-to-follow "Getting Started" tutorial, Magic Cap is configured for the major on-line services, so you don't have to waste an afternoon on their technical support hotlines waiting just for answers on how to get on!
After switching to Magic Cap, you won't have to retype information from your previous software. Just import the files from most major "productivity" programs. Furthermore, you'll get access to the World Wide Web with one of the leading "browsers," the Microsoft Internet Explorer.
But to really score some points, try using the multimedia features of Magic Cap to add clip-art and animations to your messages. A basic graphics program allows you to create your own images for inclusion in your mail. And if that wasn't enough, you can even add personalized voice recordings to your mail.
Making Work Easier
The pizzazz doesn't come at the cost of functionality. "Drag-and-drop" file attachments such as Microsoft Word documents onto your messages, or just stamp your messages with codes like "Priority" and "Confidential." Choose from a variety of formats for your message, including standard business letter size and postcards.
Do you need to send one message to reach a lot of different people in a lot of different ways? No problem. Write your message, select the recipients from the address book, write your message and click "Send." Whether it's fax, e-mail, or a text-capable pager, Magic Cap is designed to give you every chance to reach your addressees.
Hardware Requirements
Magic Cap for Windows 95 requires a 486/33 or higher microprocessor ('IBM-compatible'), 8 MB of Random Access Memory, 10 MB of Hard Disk storage for the program, a 14400 or higher speed modem, and the Windows 95 Operating System.
The product is available through retail distribution at leading computer stores for an estimated retail price of $ 49. Users can also try Magic Cap Windows free for 30 days by either ordering a 30 day trial CD-ROM from the company's web site at http://www.genmagic.com or by calling 888/239-4824.
General Magic Inc., was founded in 1990 and provides engaging, active Internet software for business professionals, developers, device manufacturers, service providers and enterprises. Headquartered in Sunnyvale, the company has offices in Columbia, South Carolina, Paris and Tokyo. For more information on the company and its products, visit General Magic's Web site at http://www.genmagic.com.
Note to Editors: General Magic and Magic Cap are registered trademarks of General Magic Inc. Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corp. General Magic acknowledges the rights of the trademark owners for all trademarks referred to herein.
CONTACT:
General Magic Inc.
Marty Coleman, 408/774-4420
[email protected]
or
Fleishman-Hillard
Marilyn Kilcrease/Lynnsey Von Stetina, 415/356-1000