SpatialNews Press Release

CYBIRD in Japan Licenses PictureIQ TransForce for Mobile Device Image Conversion -- Caters to Growing Popularity of Mobile Phones with Built-in Cameras

www.pictureiq.com

---

SEATTLE, Nov 19, 2002 - PictureIQ(R) Japan K.K., a subsidiary of PictureIQ Corp., the multimedia optimization infrastructure company, today announced that its TransForce(TM) Model 350 server appliance product has been licensed by CYBIRD Co., Ltd. for four of CYBIRD's mobile content sites in Japan. CYBIRD's i-mode(R) compatible "Machiuke Tsukuro" site has launched using TransForce to facilitate the optimization of image-centric wallpaper designs for mobile devices. CYBIRD's i-shot(TM) compatible application, "Torima SHOT," which supports online photo processing and storage, also has been launched using TransForce in anticipation of increased image data traffic. CYBIRD will take advantage of PictureIQ's TransForce technology at three additional sites before the end of the year, including its "Cybird Style" entertainment site, to support interoperable rich media content and services.

CYBIRD plans to use TransForce's rich media optimization capabilities for a number of additional sites to address increased user demand for high-quality image content as well as still-image processing driven by the improved performance of LCD displays on mobile phones. Another popular driver for rich media mobile services is the result of cameras incorporated into NTT DoCoMo's 500-series phones.

"TransForce Model 350 offers superior image quality as compared to other companies' products together with outstanding application management functions, such as the ability to set colors and size to suit different models of mobile phones, which are very easy to use," said Toshiyuki Negami at the technology department of CYBIRD's Mobile Content Division. "With the deployment of TransForce Model 350, CYBIRD aspires to offer very quickly high-quality image services that satisfy the expectations of our users."

"Owing to the spread of mobile phone handsets with built-in cameras, there are increased opportunities to process and share images. As a professional in the field of image optimization whose products are based on Adobe Photoshop technology, PictureIQ has accumulated tremendous experience and skill in meeting the needs of this market," said Kazuto Hama, country manager of PictureIQ Japan. "We are delighted that TransForce Model 350 has been adopted by CYBIRD, the largest provider of mobile content, and that its image conversion performance has won such high praise."

TransForce Model 350 is a plug-and-play server appliance that features a flexible rules-based rendering engine to simplify customization for user and device-specific attributes, such as color or image type preference.

About "Machiuke Tsukuro"

Machiuke Tsukuro is a service that allows users to easily combine photos, illustrations, or other images with text to create original wallpaper designs for mobile devices. Users have a varied choice of nearly 500 images, including oil-painting style illustrations, seasonal images (cherry blossom, rain, autumn leaves) or event-related images (Summer vacation, Christmas, and more). By combining these images with nine fonts in seven color options, users can have fun creating highly original wallpaper and calendar designs. Starting in November, the service also incorporates the i-shot compatible application, "Torima SHOT."

The Machiuke Tsukuro site is a registered and official site of NTT DoCoMo's i-mode service, and is currently available for a monthly charge of 200 yen (content charge only; tax and phone communication charges not included).

About CYBIRD

CYBIRD is a mobile Internet solutions provider established in 1998 (listed on JASDAQ, stock code: 4823). The company provides content services for Internet-enabled mobile phones and a wide range of mobile business solutions in Japan and overseas, including planning, development, operation and consulting. As of the end of June 30, 2002, CYBIRD operates 76 official content sites for NTT DoCoMo, J-PHONE, KDDI, and DDI POCKET, which have logged over 3.38 million users for its service. CYBIRD's portal site and CYBIRD SHOPS (commerce site) members, in addition to the number of content subscribers which CYBIRD serves as an information provider, consists of 6.57 million users. CYBIRD is planning further business expansion in the years ahead by enhancing its mobile marketing solutions business, and actively pursuing marketing activities specialized for the mobile market, such as research and development on new platforms for next-generation terminals.

About PictureIQ Japan

PictureIQ Japan is a subsidiary of PictureIQ Corporation ( http://www.pictureiq.com ) based in Seattle. The company is a leading provider of dynamic multimedia optimization solutions that give businesses the power to distribute rich media content and services for any Internet or mobile network-enabled device. PictureIQ customers include Internet and mobile network content providers, application vendors, operators, and carriers around the world offering media-rich content, portals, peer-to-peer messaging, location-based services, and more. The Company also is the only third-party company with a license to the core imaging and video technologies from Adobe Systems, Inc., creator of industry-leading products including Adobe(R) Photoshop(R) and Adobe Premiere(R).

Search GeoCommunity for Related Stories

Search The Web (Google) for Related Stories



Return to Today's News Index