Hi MArk
"Also, I don't know of any definitive MSFT/GMGC car thing at all"
Here is the press release from last year.
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
Las Vegas, NV (January 7, 1999) ? Microsoft Corporation (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 Magic?s Portico? 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?, 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. "Today?s 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 Magic?s 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 South Washington Street, for example. Directions from the vehicle?s 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 driver?s 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.
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 Company's Portico service and its magicTalk platform; the Company's dependence on establishing distribution relationships; adequacy of the Company?s financial resources to execute its business plan; the Company's ability to respond to competitive developments; and the Company's reliance on attracting, retaining and motivating key technical, marketing and management personnel. These and other risk factors are detailed in General Magic's 1997 Form 10-K, and third quarter 1998 Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
About magicTalk and the Portico Service
Designed for today's 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, email, 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 Magic's 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 Company's 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, California. For more information on General Magic, please visit the Company's 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.
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. |
