(BSNS WIRE) General Magic to Demonstrate Portico-Enabled Auto PC at CES;
General Magic to Demonstrate Portico-Enabled Auto PC at CES; Integrated
Functionality Adds Up to Easy Access to Internet-Based Information While On the
Road
Business Editors/Technology Writers
CES99
LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 7, 1999--Microsoft Corp.
(Nasdaq:MSFT) and General Magic, Inc. (Nasdaq:GMGC) will demonstrate
today advanced voice command and Internet information access
functionality for automobiles.
This demonstration of General Magics Portico(TM) virtual
assistant service enabled on the Microsoft Windows CE-powered Auto PC
platform represents the first technology collaboration of the two
companies. Last year, Microsoft made a minority investment of $6
million in General Magic.
Unveiled today at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las
Vegas, the prototype onboard computer will utilize the Portico service
to enable drivers to ask for complex information, such as directions
to a specific address, simply by asking for them in a natural speaking
voice. The information is retrieved from the Internet and then
displayed onscreen in the car through Auto PC.
This extension of the Portico service is an example of integrated
voice and data applications that General Magic may bring to market in
the future.
The prototype is built atop the Windows CE-based Clarion Auto PC
device, which integrates audio control, access to information,
navigation and wireless communications through hands-free voice
activation and an in-dash automotive unit.
Portico works with other technologies and services on the Auto PC
platform, such as the Global Positioning System (GPS), MSN Sidewalk,
and the CUE network. Portico is enabled by magicTalk(TM), an
intelligent voice user interface (VUI) platform that makes it easy for
users to have voice command access to information using natural
language.
Microsoft is pleased to work with General Magic to develop new
technologies and services for Windows CE-based Auto PCs, said Harel
Kodesh, vice president, Microsoft Corp. Todays joint technology
demonstration reveals the innovation that is possible with the open
architecture of the Auto PC platform.
We believe this alliance with Microsoft is a first step in the
expansion of General Magics products to the consumer segment, said
Steve Markman, chairman CEO and president of General Magic, Inc.
Portico is all about simplifying the way people access and
control the information they need to be successful. This demonstration
shows that blending voice access and the Web yields a high level of
convenience for consumers who need to access information through a
variety of devices at any time and from any location.
Two Services Previewed
Two services will be demonstrated today. The first is a
Directions feature. Drivers can simply use natural conversational
language to ask for directions to any street address, such as 555 So.
Washington St., for example. Directions from the vehicles current
location, as determined by the integrated Global Positioning System,
appear on an easy-to-read screen.
The second service enables drivers to ask for information about
businesses and then search by category, such as restaurants, hotels,
hospitals, gas stations and many others. Automatically drawing data
from MSN Sidewalk, the Auto PC will display a list of nearby
businesses matching the drivers request. The driver can request
directions to any of the businesses, or place a call to them simply by
asking Portico to dial the number.
About magicTalk and the Portico Service
Designed for todays mobile professional workforce, the Portico
service enables users to access, retrieve and act upon information
using any telephone and their normal speaking voice.
The only second generation virtual assistant available today,
Portico integrates voice mail, e-mail, address book and calendar as
well as content available on the Internet, such as company news and
stock quotes. Information may be accessed over any telephone using
magicTalk, General Magics intelligent, natural language voice user
interface, or through any popular Web browser.
About General Magic
General Magic offers integrated voice and data applications
making communication and access to information easy and convenient for
people, no matter where they are. The companys development efforts
are founded on its patented agent technology, innovative
user-interface and communication-centric designs to provide simple,
yet effective ways for people to keep in touch with the information
they need to be successful.
The company is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif. For more
information on General Magic, please visit the companys Web site at
generalmagic.com.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software
for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products
and services for business and personal use, each designed with the
mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take
advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
In accordance with U.S. securities law, General Magic notes that
this press release contains forward-looking statements. There are
risks that may cause actual results to vary materially. These risks
include, but are not limited to, the challenges inherent in the
development and delivery of complex technologies; market acceptance of
the companys Portico service and its magicTalk platform; the
companys dependence on establishing distribution relationships;
adequacy of the companys financial resources to execute its business
plan; the companys ability to respond to competitive developments;
and the companys reliance on attracting, retaining and motivating key
technical, marketing and management personnel. These and other risk
factors are detailed in General Magics 1997 Form 10-K, and third
quarter 1998 Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
Note to Editors: General Magic, Portico and magicTalk are
trademarks of General Magic, Inc. and may be registered in certain
jurisdictions.
Microsoft, Windows, and the WindowsCE are either registered
trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States
and/or other countries.
Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their
respective owners.
--30--rab/sf* mr/sf
CONTACT: General Magic, Inc.
Buck Krawczyk, 408/774-4495
buck@generalmagic.com
or
Access Communications
Michelle Knoop, 415/904-7070
mknoop@accesspr.com
KEYWORD: NEVADA CALIFORNIA
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: COMED COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS TELECOMMUNICATIONS
PRODUCT TRADESHOW
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