Heralding the Death of QWERTY, FrogPad Releases Bluetooth Enabled One-Handed Keyboard.Business Editors/High-Tech Writers Macworld San Francisco San Francisco (săn frănsĭs`kō), city (1990 pop. 723,959), coextensive with San Francisco co., W Calif., on the tip of a peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, which are connected by the strait known as the Golden 2004 SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 6, 2004 Pushing for New Global Standard in Data Entry, Company Showcases New Keyboard at Macworld and CES and Unveils Plans for OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) The rebranding of equipment and selling it. The term initially referred to the company that made the products (the "original" manufacturer), but eventually became widely used to refer to the organization that buys the products and Licenses FrogPad(TM) Inc. (www.frogpad.com), maker of the revolutionary portable one-handed keyboard, and its strategic Bluetooth(TM) solutions partner, Gennum Corporation (TSX TSX Toronto Stock Exchange (TSE before April, 2002) TSX Transfer from Stack Pointer to Index TSX True Space Extension : GND GND Ground GND GIG (Global Information Grid) Network Defense GND System Ground GND Circuit Reference (Zero) Voltage Level GND St Georges/Grenada, Grenada - Pt Saline (Airport Code) ), will conduct a demonstration and announce the general availability of a Bluetooth enabled FrogPad keyboard at a press conference here today (see below for more information about the press conference). The new keyboard incorporates FrogPad's patented ergonomic layout designed around the 15 most-used letters in the English alphabet The modern English alphabet consists of the 26 letters[1] of the Latin alphabet: Majuscule Forms (also called uppercase or capital letters) A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Minuscule Forms (also called with the latest short-range wireless Bluetooth technology. Pioneering a new global standard for data entry, the FrogPad keyboard breaks the century-old QWERTY See QWERTY keyboard. (hardware) QWERTY - /kwer'tee/ (From the top left row of letter keys of most keyboards) Pertaining to a standard English-language typewriter keyboard (sometimes called the Sholes keyboard after its inventor), as opposed to Dvorak or foreign-language code. Unlike QWERTY, whose design was derived from the limitations of 19th Century typewriter technology, the FrogPad offers a logical key layout and design that encourages correct ergonomic posture. Additionally, given its use of full-size keys, the FrogPad offers users of mobile computing Using a computing device while in transit. Mobile computing implies wireless transmission, but wireless transmission does not necessarily imply mobile computing. Fixed wireless applications use satellites, radio systems and lasers to transmit between permanent objects such as buildings devices an effective alternative to the script-based or mini thumb keyboard A miniature keyboard designed to be used with the thumbs. See thumb culture and mylo. platforms currently available. After an average of 8 hours of training and practice, most FrogPad users can achieve input rates of up to 40 words per minute Noun 1. words per minute - the rate at which words are produced (as in speaking or typing) wpm rate - a magnitude or frequency relative to a time unit; "they traveled at a rate of 55 miles per hour"; "the rate of change was faster than expected" , as compared to the average of 10-20 words per minute by the fastest thumb typists. FrogPad to Mac and PC Users: Cut Your Cables and Hop Onboard Measuring just 3" x 5", the FrogPad is the only fully functional and portable keyboard Either a very small keyboard or a full-size keyboard that can be folded into a small unit for travel. Portable keyboards are available for PDAs and other handhelds as well as laptops. See virtual keyboard. with low profile, full-sized keys for fast, easy and accessible data entry. Created with designers, educators, students, mobile professionals and the physically challenged physically challenged adj. Having a physical disability or impairment, especially one that limits mobility. See Usage Note at challenged. n. (used with a pl. in mind, the Bluetooth enabled FrogPad gives Mac and PC users a viable alternative to the sub-optimal design of the QWERTY keyboard The standard English language typewriter keyboard. Q, W, E, R, T and Y are the letters on the top left, alphabetic row. Designed by Christopher Sholes, who invented the typewriter, the keyboard layout was organized to prevent people from typing too fast and jamming the keys. . For example, designers using CAD (computer-aided design computer-aided design (CAD) or computer-aided design and drafting (CADD), form of automation that helps designers prepare drawings, specifications, parts lists, and other design-related elements using special graphics- and calculations-intensive ) applications can now keep one hand on a mouse at all times and freely input data via the Bluetooth enabled FrogPad with the other hand. With the incorporation of Bluetooth technology, Mac and PC users are now set free from cumbersome and unsightly wires and cables. "Mac users have always been on the leading edge of adopting new tools that change the way people interact with technology -- the Bluetooth enabled FrogPad fits that bill," said Linda Marroquin, Founder, President and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. , FrogPad(TM), Inc. "As FrogPad aims to become the new global standard for data input, combining it with the Bluetooth wireless standard is a natural development for our products and our users. We're honored to unveil our new line of Bluetooth enabled FrogPad's to such an illustrious group of technology consumers." The space-saving FrogPad offers users mobility and portability in numerous commercial and industrial applications. With a built-in rechargeable battery A rechargeable battery, also known as a storage battery, is a group of two or more secondary cells. These batteries can be restored to full charge by the application of electrical energy. , the Bluetooth enabled FrogPad can be charged either through a wall adapter plug or through a standard USB port A USB socket on a computer or peripheral device into which a USB cable is plugged. See USB. . The Bluetooth enabled FrogPad will be available for purchase in Q2 2004. Bluetooth and FrogPad: New Standards Set to Take Off in 2004 Since October 2003, FrogPad and Gennum Corporation have been jointly developing Bluetooth products that utilize the GENBlue(TM) Module. Powered by Cambridge Silicon Radio's single chip technology, the module features full Bluetooth functionality and compatibility with Bluetooth enabled devices. In an effort to assist OEMs interested in developing their own Bluetooth-enabled FrogPad keyboards, FrogPad and Gennum will also unveil plans to collaborate on a single chip solution, which will incorporate FrogPad's unique algorithm with the Bluetooth Human Input Device (HID) profile. The HID profile includes an inventory of devices that inform Bluetooth radio how to communicate with a specific device. By incorporating the HID profile, FrogPad provides OEMs the assurance that their FrogPad products are Bluetooth-enabled out-of-the-box. "As we look for ways to help unwire people with our Bluetooth solutions, we're very excited by the fast deployment of the GENBlue module on the Bluetooth enabled FrogPad," said Gora Ganguli, vice president and general manager, Gennum Corporation. "Having only worked with FrogPad for a relatively short period of time, we're extremely impressed by how quickly we've moved from partnership agreement to production. Today's announcement is a terrific step for Bluetooth and FrogPad, and we look forward to working with FrogPad to develop new and innovative wireless solutions that enhance the lives of our users." Press Conference and CES Details FrogPad and Gennum will host a press conference to showcase the Bluetooth enabled FrogPad on January 6, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. PT in San Francisco at Jillian's restaurant, located at the METREON. In attendance will be FrogPad's CEO, Linda Marroquin, and executives from strategic partners Gennum Corporation, Design Edge and Cambridge Silicon Radio. Qualified media can sign up to receive review units at the press conference. FrogPad can be viewed in action at CES 2004 in the Nimble Systems booth in the Microsoft Pavillion. A demonstration of FrogPad and interviews can be arranged on site. For more information and to view the FrogPad, please visit: http://www.frogpad.com/ About FrogPad(TM) Inc. FrogPad, Inc. (www.frogpad.com) is an innovator of data entry methods for mobile computing and communication. A new standard for data entry, FrogPad's flagship product is a practical single-handed text/numeric 20 key keyboard that uses a patented simultaneous key-function change technology and ergonomic optimization. Ideal for the mobile professional, FrogPad's unique design provides all of the functionality of a full sized keyboard in a fraction of the space. FrogPad's data entry algorithm was originally conceived in 1994, with patents for the unique design issued in 1998. Founded in 1998, FrogPad is a privately held company privately held company A firm whose shares are held within a relatively small circle of owners and are not traded publicly. based in Houston, Texas, and is delivering its products through global partners. About Gennum Gennum Corporation is a leading producer of silicon integrated circuits and hybrid circuits for the hearing instrument and video markets. The company has offices in Burlington and Ottawa, Canada, and subsidiaries in Japan and the United Kingdom. Gennum (TSX:GND) has operated since 1973 and its shares have been listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange Toronto Stock Exchange (TSE) Canada's largest stock exchange, trading approximately 1,200 company stocks and 33 options. since 1982. This document may contain forward-looking statements, relating to the Company's future financial results and operations or to the environment in which it operates, which are based on Gennum's operations, estimates, forecasts and projections. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, and/or are beyond Gennum's control. A number of important factors could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements. These factors include those set forth in other public filings. Consequently, readers should not place any undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. In addition, these forward-looking statements relate to the date on which they are made. Gennum disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. |
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