Steve, your thoughts on SRS Labs (SRSL). This holding company focuses on voice recognition/audio with applications to the internet, consumer devices, VoIP, other convergence avenues, etc. MSFT recently invested an undisclosed sum in SRSL.
Here is a brief rundown of SRSL:
SRS Labs, Inc. -- Continuing in its holding company capacity, SRS Labs
will be engaged as the incubator in the areas of product development,
acquisition, customization and licensing of audio and voice technologies to
prospective subsidiaries, as well as existing and new partners. SRS Labs was
originally formed in 1993, taken public in 1996, and has a history of award
winning technology and achievements.
Valence Technology -- Acquired in March of 1998, Valence continues to grow
in the ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuits)design marketplace, as well as expanding production in consumer
electronic products, and is working toward securing strong distribution
partnerships throughout the Asian marketplace. Current planning is on track
for a Valence IPO in Q2 of 2000. (See release 3/13/2000).
SRSWOWcast.com -- Formed in 1999 as a destination Web site for streaming
audio and video, this beta site will also serve as a showcase for the various
SRS Labs technologies in the Internet world. SRS Labs technology designs have
been effective in attracting strategic partners and developing an e-commerce
channel. In addition to the current broadcast studio, radio station, theater
and music rooms, plans for content expansion include entertainment venues
including talk, weather and sports; as well as an expanded interactive
community to include interviews, group participation, and interactive chat.
Voice Technology Group -- Launched at CTIA's Wireless 2000 show in New
Orleans earlier this year, this group is focused on the development,
adaptation, customization and acquisition of technologies in the areas of
voice recognition and speech intelligibility. Primary technologies for this
group are SRS Labs' NuVoice, WOWVoice, and VIP, all concentrated on setting
the standard for voice recognition and speech intelligibility in the high
growth areas of the convergence market.
Products Group -- SRS Labs Products Group will work to develop and
customize SRS Labs' technologies, and acquire additional complementary
technology product families focused on the high-end audio marketplace. The
Company plans to explore products that are complementary in nature to current
licensee customers, OEMs, and competitors such as speakers, surround sound
receivers, and home theater components. The Group intends to build brand
recognition for both consumer and OEM customers in the high-end audio market.
SRSWOWcast -- Asia -- SRSWOWcast Asia will be developed as a potential
subsidiary, based on the current SRSWOWcast.com model, adapted for the Asian
Internet audience. Planning calls for duplicating the structure,
participation, and content of SRSWOWcast.com and gearing it for the Asian
Internet market by taking advantage of the explosive growth in this sector,
with an eye towards a possible IPO. |
