Geoworks Receives Patent for Consumer Computing Interface Technology
ALAMEDA, Calif. — July 12, 1994 — Geoworks (NASDAQ:GWRX) announced Tuesday that it has been awarded a U.S. patent for the technology in its flexible graphical user interface, which is designed specifically to support a variety of low-cost consumer computing devices such as hand-held computers and communicators, personal computers used in homes and schools, and interactive television set-top boxes.
The U.S Patent and Trademark Office notified Geoworks that the company's patent was issued on July 5. Geoworks has invested more than 10 years' work in developing its unique GEOS operating system and its accompanying user interface.
Using advanced object-oriented software development techniques, Geoworks designed a flexible user interface that allows consumer electronics and computer manufacturers to customize the interface to differentiate their products for specific markets. This technology also enables popular types of consumer applications written for the GEOS operating system, such as address or appointment book software and entertainment programs, to run on these divergent devices without requiring software developers to rewrite the programs.
"The awarding of this patent is integral to the continuing evolution of Geoworks," said Brian Dougherty, Geoworks chairman. "Our vision of people in all walks of life easily accessing and sharing information through various digital devices is coming to fruition, and our user interface technology is specifically designed with the flexibility to accommodate this variety of products. This patent is yet another validation of our technology and vision."
The company's technology has attracted some of the world's leading consumer electronics companies and computer hardware and software suppliers to form relationships with Geoworks. They include America Online Incorporated, Canon Business Machines Inc., Casio Computer Co. Ltd., CompuServe Inc., International Business Machines Corporation, Motorola Inc., Sharp Corporation, Tandy Corporation and Toshiba.
In addition, Hewlett-Packard Company and Novell Inc., have recently made significant, equity investments in Geoworks.
With headquarters in Alameda, Geoworks develops and markets operating system and application software for the emerging consumer computing device (CCD) market. CCDs include a diverse range of compact, low-cost computing devices, which the company groups into three-major market segments: mobile devices, information appliances, and set-top boxes for interactive television. Geoworks products are available in the U.S. and internationally through OEMs, dealers, republishers and electronic distribution.
CONTACT:
Geoworks
Deborah Dawson, 510/814-5750
or
Copithorne & Bellows
Megan Manning, 415/975-2217