Motorola Releases iSKETCH, Allowing Users to Send Handwritten Items via their Wireless Mobile Devices
PALO ALTO, Calif. — May 8, 2001 — Motorola (NYSE: MOT) announced today it has launched a version of its iSKETCH technology that can be downloaded from the Internet into their Palm OS-based mobile devices. iSKETCH is a digital ink compression and encryption technology that allows users to create and transmit small handwritten notes, sketches and signatures between mobile devices, or between a mobile device and a desktop via email. The software is available for immediate download at Palmgear.com and Handango.com.
With iSKETCH, users can send and receive handwritten messages as easily as text, store personal handwritten notes, and email sketches to multiple addresses simultaneously. An enhanced version of iSKETCH, which includes encryption, more shapes, colors, animation, and text encoding, is already available for license to software developers and system integrators.
"Sometimes a text message just doesn't fit the need," said Craig Peddie, General Manager of Motorola's Lexicus Division. "Imagine a commuter rushing through an airport, or sitting on a noisy train, who needs to send a quick note but cannot open his laptop to initiate an email. Or someone who wants to write and save a quick note to himself as a reminder that he will refer to later. This technology adds real value to wireless devices by expanding the ways they can be incorporated into the communication setting."
The iSKETCH software compressor/decompressor (CODEC) has been ported to many mobile devices, such as PDAs, smart phones, and the Palm handheld devices. The software uses lossless compression, which allows it to be used in conjunction with a signature verification server or a handwriting recognizer at a later time.
International Data Corporation estimates that nearly 15 million PDAs will be sold this year, a figure that will more than double by 2004. The Palm OS and Palm OS-based products are licensed to the majority of PDA makers, including Handspring, Sony, Kyocera, Samsung, Nokia, Symbol Technologies, and TRG.
About Lexicus
Founded in 1993, Motorola's Lexicus Division specializes in the innovative design and development of user interface software and cutting edge input technologies for smart devices. Headquartered in Palo Alto, Calif., the division strives to be a world leader in supplying cutting-edge input technologies that allow information to be entered and retrieved from wireless devices without the use of a keyboard. Lexicus offers a complete range of alternative input technologies, including digital in pad messaging, intelligent keypad text entry, natural handwriting processing and noise robust speech recognition.
Motorola delivers these intelligent wireless solutions as well as systems integration as part of its professional services offerings. Through its Global Customer Solutions Operations, Motorola also provides wireless consulting, systems planning solutions definition, systems integration, training, maintenance and technical support to key customers.
Motorola's Applications Global NETwork (MAGNET) supports application developers who want to work with Motorola products. For more information about the MAGNET and its Regional Application Development Center offerings, please visit the web site at www.motorola.com/developers/wireless.
About Motorola
Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) is a global leader in providing integrated communication solutions and embedded electronic solutions. Sales in 2000 were $37.6 billion. MOTOROLA, the stylized Motorola logo and all other trademarks indicated as such herein, are trademarks of Motorola, Inc. (R) Reg. U.S. Pat. and T.M. Office. More company information is available at www.motorola.com.
USA Press Contact for Motorola:
David Rudd
Motorola Public Relations
Phone: +1 847 576 7089
Email: [email protected]
EMEA Press Contact for Motorola:
Patrick Hamilton
PR & Marketing Communications Manager
Motorola
Phone: +44 7715 175 043
Email: [email protected]
Asia Press Contact for Motorola:
Ray Rudowski
Motorola Public Relations
Hill & Knowlton Asia Ltd.
Phone: +852 2894-6206
Email: [email protected]
SOURCE: Motorola
CONTACT:
David Rudd of Motorola Public Relations, 847-576-7089, [email protected],
or
EMEA Press:
Patrick Hamilton, PR & Marketing Communications Manager of Motorola, +44 7715 175 043, [email protected],
or
Asia Press Contact:
Ray Rudowski, Motorola Public Relations of Hill & Knowlton Asia Ltd., +852 2894-6206, [email protected]