DEMO 2001 -- PHOENIX and NEW YORK -- Feb. 12, 2001 - adAlive, Inc., developers of the first network of Internet access-points for PDA users, and Vindigo, developer of the leading personal navigation platform for handheld devices, today announced a partnership to make Vindigo available from adAlive billboards. Palm Powered handheld users will be able to beam Vindigo onto their devices from any adAlive access-point. The partnership combines adAlive's fast and free access to mobile content and services with Vindigo's timely local information, giving PDA users instant access to the content they want, wherever they are.
Over 300,000 registered users currently rely on Vindigo to access leading content providers' reviews on restaurants, shops, bars and movies when they're on-the-go. Vindigo takes advantage of the convenience of mobile devices to deliver location-based information about things to do and places to go in over 20 major U.S. cities and in London. It provides comprehensive information on the best restaurants, bars, nightclubs, stores and movies in each city.
"Vindigo delivers content that on-the-go handheld users consistently seek: location-specific information about the limitless choices of places to go and things to do in popular cities," said Glenn Edelman, director of business development for Vindigo. "By partnering with adAlive, we can provide travelers with a fast and convenient way to get Vindigo."
adAlive today also announced that it has launched its system at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. adAlive access-points give on-the-go PDA users fast and free access to valuable content and services. The system is available immediately on billboards in the American Airlines terminal.
The adAlive device is attached to billboard advertisements currently found in major airport walkways. PDA users simply approach an adAlive access-point (identifiable by the red 'i') and point their handheld's infrared port at the device to quickly access their email, personalized content, downloads, etc. All content and services are fast and free, and can easily be stored on the PDA for later use. Since adAlive uses the existing infrared ports found on most PDAs, no new hardware is required. Users can:
· download city guides and travel-related information and recommendations
· send and receive email with any POP3 account
· sync Palm applications quickly and easily
· backup and refresh personal data on the PDA, such as calendars
and address books
· interact with the billboard advertiser to request additional
information and special offers right onto their PDA.
adAlive recently tested the system at the Pittsburgh International Airport and plans to continue expansion at JFK and to other airports throughout 2001. adAlive access-points will also be available in other public areas, such as hotels and retail stores, starting in 2001. adAlive is compatible with Palm, Handspring and Sony Clié devices. Support for PocketPC and other mobile devices with infrared ports, such as cell phones, is in development.
"adAlive is designed to serve as a fast, easy and free access-point for any PDA user seeking the content and services they want and need while on-the-go," said Rohit Arora, president and chief executive officer of adAlive, Inc. "With over 300,000 registered users subscribing to Vindigo, it's clear that Vindigo's content is of high-quality and interest to PDA users nationwide. We are pleased to provide PDA users with fast and easy access to Vindigo through adAlive."
About Vindigo
Vindigo creates resource-rich software for mobile devices that
allows people to explore, enjoy, and connect to the world around
them. The company's core product, also called Vindigo, transforms
Palm Inc. handhelds and compatibles into personal navigators.
It delivers location-specific information about the limitless
choices of places to go and things to do in popular cities. Combining
mobility with an insider's insight and in-depth content from the
nation's most trusted local sources - including the New York Times,
zagat.com, and the San Francisco Chronicle - Vindigo instantly
adapts to a user's location and interests. Vindigo gives busy
people the ability to make quick, savvy, lifestyle decisions about
where to eat, shop and play, whenever and wherever they are.
Vindigo is a privately held company backed by General Atlantic
Partners LLC, Flatiron Partners, Carlin Ventures, and select private
investors. The company's headquarters are located at 259 West
30th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10001. For information, contact
Vindigo at: (212) 590-6900 or via the Web at www.vindigo.com.