Casio Introduces World's First Wrist-type Wearable MP3 Player; Totally New Wrist Data Devices Promise to Create New Markets.

Business/Technology Editors

CES 2000

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 6, 2000

Casio, Inc., Dover, NJ, in conjunction with CASIO Computer Co. Ltd., Japan, announced an amazing new WMP-1V Wrist Audio Player, the world's first wrist-type wearable MP3 player.

This new model is one of the latest additions to the growing lineup of new "wrist data devices" that have earned CASIO the reputation of being the leading innovator in unique, feature-packed timepieces. "CASIO has traditionally included unexpected extras in our timepieces, from the first data bank watches with names, numbers and memos to watches that turn on your TV or VCR. We continue to give consumers the latest in technology with the introduction of the world's first wrist-type wearable digital camera, the WQV-1 Wrist Camera," said Gary Rado, President, Casio, Inc.

CASIO has already opened the modern market for powerful, wrist-type wearable data collection and management instruments with the PCX and Satellite Navi watches. The PCX watch provides a quick and easy way to exchange and synchronize personal information management (PIM) data with a desktop computer, while the Satellite Navi outdoor watch represents the world's first watch with GPS capabilities that use GPS satellites to provide readouts of your current position and other data.

The two new products being introduced here mark major advances of the "wrist data device" concept and create totally new types of wristwatches that tap the high-growth potential of both the digital imaging market and the digital audio market.

Wrist Audio Player Features:

- MP3 (MPEG Audio layer-3) format Wrist Audio Player is the world's first wrist-type wearable MP3 format file player. You can use your computer to download MP3 format files from authorized sites on the Internet, or you can use commercially available MP3 file creation software to create MP3 files from your favorite music CDs. MP3 files can then be downloaded to the Wrist Audio Player for listening over the included stereo earphones.

- Wristwatch configuration for take-along-anywhere music enjoyment Since it measures a mere 49.0 (W) x 54.0(H) x 19.0(D) mm and weighs only 70g, you hardly even notice that the Wrist Audio Player is there. Digital circuitry provides stable, non-skip playback, even when the Wrist Audio Player is subjected to strong vibration or impact. A water-resistant design means you can wear your Wrist Audio Player when playing sports, dancing, challenging the great outdoors, or doing just about anything else.

- Stores approximately 33 minutes of high-fidelity music data (CD quality) The Wrist Audio Player has enough memory to store approximately 33 minutes of CD-level quality sound in the High Quality Mode, 44 minutes of near CD-level quality sound in the Medium Quality Mode, or 66 minutes of FM broadcast-level quality sound in the Low Quality Mode.

- Flashback Title feature displays song titles and artist names Flashback Title scrolls through song titles and artists on the display, one character at a time. Title and name text must be input using your computer, and both letters and numbers can be used.

- Motion Graphic feature shows different display movement to match song playback Animated Motion Graphic characters that match each track are downloaded automatically to the Wrist Audio Player. The character dances in one of 10 different styles, including the Twist for rock and other fast music, and the Wave for pops and other lively tempo tunes. The dance style is selected in accordance with the type of music that is playing.

- Built-in USB interface for high-speed data communication A USB interface specially designed for the wrist-worn configuration of the Wrist Audio Player provides high-speed data communication with a computer. It takes about 70 seconds to download one four-minute track.

- Approximately four hours of continuous playback (on a full charge) A full charge of the Wrist Audio Player's rechargeable battery provides approximately four hours of continuous playback.

- Basic timekeeping includes current time, alarm, stopwatch, and more

Wrist Audio Player Specifications:

Format: MPEG Audio Layer3 Recording Medium: Built-in MMC (Multi Media Card) Data Download: 70 seconds for a 4-minute track Approximate Play Time: High Quality Mode: 33 minutes, Medium

Quality Mode: 44 minutes, Low Quality

Mode: 66 minutes Display: LED illumination Key Operations: 6 front mounted keys (play/stop, fast

forward, reverse, volume and mode) Playback Mode: Shuffle, loop, track loop and section

loop Other Functions: Flashback title, Motion Graphic Clock:

Normal timekeeping, alarm and stopwatch Water Resistance:

Under normal daily Battery: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery (Full

charge: 4 hours) Battery Life: Approximately four hours continuous

playback Dimensions/Weight: 49.0(W) x 54.0(H) x 19.0(D) mm / 70g Bundled Accessories: Stereo headphone, link software (on

CD-ROM), charger/communication

attachment, AC adapter, USB cable

Computer System Requirements Computer: IBM PC/AT or compatible with USB port Operating System: Windows 98 CPU:

Pentium 166MHz or higher RAM: 64MB or more Hard Disk Space: 2MB Display: 800 x 600, 256 colors or more Other: CD-ROM drive, USB port, Keyboard, Mouse

Casio Computer, Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, is one of the leading consumer electronics companies in the world. Since its establishment in 1957, Casio has been active in the development of electronic calculators, timepieces, musical instruments, digital cameras, LCD TVs, wide range of communications devices and Handheld PCs. Casio's corporate activities are guided by the motto: "Creativity and Contribution." Visit Casio's global web site at http://www.casio.co.jp

Casio, Inc., Dover, NJ, is the U.s. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan. Casio, Inc., with sales over $450-million, markets calculators, watches, Palm-size PCs, business organizers, LCD TV, electronic cash registers, digital imaging products and musical keyboards. Casio, the unexpected extra - for more information visit our web site at http://www.casio.com

Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation. Other company, product and service names used herein may also be trademarks or service marks of others.