AirDrives™ Interactive Earphones To Begin Shipping In The UK
Unique Patented InAir Technology™ Allows Users To Freely Enjoy Music While Fully Aware Of Their Surroundings
SAN DIEGO, CA (March 10th, 2008) ─ Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (AMEX/TSX: MCZ), a leading third-party interactive entertainment accessory provider, and the creators of AirDrives Interactive Earphones, announced today that the Company plans to introduce its revolutionary range of AirDrives Interactive Earphones to the UK.
A new concept in personal audio technology, AirDrives features a patented outer-ear design powered by InAir Technology. This breakthrough personal audio technology delivers a listening experience unlike any other. Users enjoy premium sound quality while remaining fully aware of their surroundings, which offers an unparalleled level of safety.
AirDrives uses the ear of the user to conduct and radiate sound through bone and tissue. AirDrives' open architecture leaves the auditory canal unplugged, thus avoiding potentially damaging decibel levels often associated with conventional ear buds. Ideal for use in outdoor environments or simply when the user wishes to remain alert to his or her surroundings, the unique design not only introduces obvious safety benefits but also allows users to share their earphones with others without the risk of spreading germs or infections.
AirDrives plans to initially launch in the UK with three products in the range.
AirDrives Adult. The original and wholly unique AirDrives Interactive Earphone allowing users to blend music with their environment in a way never before possible.
AirDrives for Kids. Specially designed for younger, sensitive ears, AirDrives for Kids are a safe and cool way for kids to enjoy their music or games.
AirDrives for iPhone. Designed with the iPhone in mind, including a microphone and one-touch music-to-phone capability to enrich the listening experience and optimize convenience and communication for iPhone users.
"It was important for me to create a technology that enables music lovers, active individuals and parents concerned for their children's safety a way to enjoy music without the danger of inducing permanent hearing loss", said Ken Wright, founder of InAir Technology and AirDrives Director of Product Development. "We're thrilled that AirDrives, AirDrives for Kids and AirDrives for iPhone have been proven as an effective way to enjoy music more safely throughout the day. After receiving commercial and critical acclaim with our AirDrives range across North America, we're thrilled to introduce UK customers to the unique benefits AirDrives has to offer".
AirDrives, AirDrives for Kids and AirDrives for iPhone are compatible with iPod, MP3 Players, computers and portable DVD systems. AirDrives for iPhone is also compatible with Blackberry's new Curve smart phone. All products in the AirDrives range are expected to be available beginning April 2008 from www.AirDrives.com. The suggested retail price is £49.99 for AirDrives, £39.99 for AirDrives for Kids and £59.99 for AirDrives for iPhone. To obtain more information about AirDrives, AirDrives for Kids and AirDrives for iPhone please visit www.AirDrives.com.
About InAir Technology
AirDrives interactive, stereo earphones utilize the proprietary InAir Technology. For more information on this technology, please visit www.inairtechnology.com. In 2006, the InAir Technology was acquired by Mad Catz, Inc., ("Mad Catz") whose parent company is a publicly-traded company listed on the American and Toronto Stock Exchanges (ticker symbol MCZ). Mad Catz is headquartered in San Diego, California. Patents pending.
About Mad Catz Interactive, Inc.
Mad Catz is a global leader in providing innovative peripherals for the interactive entertainment industry. Mad Catz designs and markets accessories for video game systems and publishes video game software, including the industry-leading GameShark video game enhancements, under its Mad Catz, GameShark and Joytech brands. Mad Catz also designs and markets mice, keyboards, headsets, PC gaming controllers and other PC peripherals through its Saitek brand, and recently began manufacturing and marketing proprietary portable earphones under its AirDrives brand. Mad Catz distributes its products through most of the leading retailers offering interactive entertainment products and has offices across Canada, Europe and Asia. For additional information please go to www.madcatz.com, as well as www.gameshark.com, www.airdrives.com, www.saitek.com and www.joytech.net.
Safe Harbor for Forward Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements about the Company's business prospects that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information or future events or developments. You can identify these statements by the fact that they use words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "should," "plan," "goal," "believe," and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are the following: the ability to maintain or renew the Company's licenses; competitive developments affecting the Company's current products; first party price reductions; the ability to successfully market both new and existing products domestically and internationally; difficulties or delays in manufacturing; or a downturn in the market or industry. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other matters can be found in the Company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian Securities Administrators. CONTACT: Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. Stewart Halpern, Chief Financial Officer, 800-831-1442 Or Jaffoni & Collins Incorporated Joseph Jaffoni/David Jacoby, 212-835-8500 mcz@jcir.com SOURCE: Mad Catz Interactive, Inc.
PRESS & MEDIA CONTACT:
Alex Verrey - Global PR & Communications Manager
Mad Catz Europe Ltd
+44 (0)1908 336 538
averrey@madcatz.com
INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT:
Joseph Jaffoni or David Jacoby
Jaffoni & Collins Inc
212 835 8500
mcz@jcir.com