/*|*\
~~
GEOWORKS INTRODUCES ELECTRONIC BOOK AUTHORING SOFTWARE FOR CONSUMER COMPUTING PRODUCTS
ALAMEDA, Calif., Oct. 25, 1994 -- Geoworks (NASDAQ/NMS: GWRX) today announced an innovative new software product that enables software developers, content providers and consumers to easily create "electronic books" that are designed specifically for viewing on personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile computers and other consumer-oriented computing devices. The announcement was made today at the annual meeting of the American Electronics Association in Monterey, Calif.
Geoworks, one of the leading suppliers of systems level software for consumer computing devices, sees its new Geoworks Bindery authoring system as a way to let content publishers and corporations easily create truly useable content on the desktop for viewing on mobile devices, expanding device use far beyond simple personal organization and notetaking.
With Geoworks Bindery, inexpensive books of customized, electronic information can be created quickly for viewing on any device running the GEOS(R) operating system, such as the Casio and Tandy PDAs and the Sharp Electronics PT 9000 personal information assistant.
"Many mobile devices to date, particularly PDAs, have been used primarily as personal organizers and communicators," said Gordon Mayer, Geoworks president and chief executive officer. "Geoworks Bindery augments those capabilities by turning these devices into an instant travel guide, for instance, that people may access via wireless communication technologies at information kiosks located at airports around the world."
In addition, Mayer said the Geoworks Bindery will allow corporations to easily publish a wealth of company information, including corporate price lists and product specifications and descriptions, that mobile professionals can refer to any time, any place during their travels. The Geoworks Bindery lets people choose the type of information they want and need most in their PDAs and other mobile products.
The Geoworks Bindery authoring system, available by the end of the year directly from Geoworks for $149.00, consists of a non-technical, easy to use authoring tool for the desktop that requires no programming. Electronic books can be viewed on any GEOS-based mobile device or CCD with the Geoworks Book Reader, which is being distributed free by Geoworks and will be pre- installed on upcoming GEOS-based devices.
Offering a family of compelling after-market software products is part of Geoworks strategy to establish GEOS as a leading operating system platform for consumer computing devices such as mobile computers, smart phones and interactive TV. The Geoworks Bindery, with the accompanying Geoworks Book
Reader, is the company s first product that will enable the mass market opportunity for consumable information content.
The company also is establishing partnerships with the world s leading computer and consumer electronics hardware vendors, independent software developers, communication services providers and mass market distributors. To date it enjoys relationships with America On-Line, Brother International Corporation, Canon Business Machines, Inc., Casio Computer Co., Ltd., CompuServe, Inc., IBM EduQuest, Motorola, Inc., Sharp Corporation, Tandy Corporation and Toshiba Corporation. In addition, Hewlett-Packard Company and Novell, Inc., have made significant equity investments in the company.
Geoworks develops and markets operating system and application software for the emerging consumer computing device (CCD) market. CCDs include mobile devices, smart phones, information appliances and set-top boxes for interactive television.
###
CONTACT:
Megan Manning
Copithorne & Bellows
(415) 975-2217
Deborah Dawson
Geoworks
(510) 814-5750
Transmitted: 94-10-25 18:47:16 EDT