Tiger Telematics(r) achieve SIMbiosis with Vodafone UK
Vodafone UK to supply pre-pay SIMs and network access for Gizmondo(TM)
LONDON, 18th March, 2005 - Gizmondo Europe Ltd, subsidiary of Jacksonville, Florida-based Tiger Telematics Inc (other OTC, TGTL), announced a deal today that will package the Gizmondo multi-entertainment console in the UK with a pre-pay SIM card from Vodafone and revenue share agreement.
Gizmondo users will be able to send text messages on pre-pay bundles, as well as using their handheld device for sending and receiving email from their POP3/Imap accounts via a GPRS connection. The Vodafone network covers 99% of the population in the UK.
Vodafone will also be providing a URL to allow delivery of the SmartAddsTM system through to the customer at no cost to them. SmartAddsTM is a highly targeted form of digital marketing that, once the customer is registered, identifies its audience by gender, age, and location, and can then deliver an 'added value' advertisement directly into the hands of the end user.
Carl Freer, Managing Director, Gizmondo, says: "We're delighted to offer the Gizmondo user access to the Vodafone mobile communications network in the UK. The contract-free pre-pay SIM is there to open up the Gizmondo to a massive range of communication and exciting GPS features, without an additional contract. The strength and infrastructure of the Vodafone network, and its customer commitment as a whole, will be an invaluable asset."
Nick Read, Chief Commercial Officer, Vodafone UK commented "We look forward to developing our working relationship with Gizmondo and Tiger Telematics, and will watch the forthcoming developments with interest."
Notes to Editors:
1. The Gizmondo uses the pre-pay SIM in all aspects of the functionality. When the device is registered for the first time, login details are sent back to the user via SMS which will allow them to set up an account on a secure website, giving access to extended functions.
2. These functions include web tracking and location-based services via GPRS like, "Where am I" and "Find my Nearest".
3. Bill-payers can upgrade to a Guardian Account that will allow the user to input up to four mobile telephone numbers, so that if the panic button is held for 3.5 seconds an alert is sent via SMS containing the last GPS location of the Gizmondo.
4. The Guardian Account also gives the bill-payer access to additional tracking functionality, geofencing, and a secure server which can report the location of a device to a registered mobile telephone number via SMS.
5. All tracking functionality is entirely opt in/opt out by the user.
6. The GPRS connectivity can also be used for viewing and downloading wallpapers, alert tones, ring tones, and other mobile content.
The Gizmondo is powered by Microsoft Windows CE advanced real-time operating system, boasting a 2.8-inch TFT colour screen with a Samsung ARM9 400Mhz processor and incorporates the GoForce 3D 4500 NVIDIA graphics accelerator. It provides cutting-edge gaming, picture messages, an MP3 music player, Mpeg4 movie playing capability, a digital camera and a GPRS network link to allow wide-area network gaming. Additionally, it contains a GPS chip for location-based services, is equipped with Bluetooth for use in multi-player gaming and accepts MMC card accessories.
The Gizmondo device and its games are in retail stores from 19th March 2005 in the UK, and in North American and Continental Europe markets from Spring 2005.
About Tiger Telematics and Gizmondo
Gizmondo Europe Ltd. is an owned subsidiary of Tiger Telematics Inc (TGTL) and is the maker of Gizmondo, a next-generation mobile entertainment device. Launched in 2004, the gaming device includes built-in music, video, messaging and picture functions and GPS.
Tiger Telematics is a designer, developer and marketer of mobile telematics systems and services that combine global GPS functions and voice recognition technology to locate and track vehicles and people down to street level in countries throughout the world. The systems are designed to operate on GPS and are currently being marketed to GSM current and potential subscribers, primarily by the company's United Kingdom based subsidiaries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.