Version 7 of eZiText Empowering Mobile Phone Users with an Improved Text Messaging Experience
CALGARY, AB, February 6, 2006 — Zi Corporation (Nasdaq: ZICA) (TSX: ZIC), a leading provider of intelligent interface solutions, today announced that building on its relationship with LG Electronics Inc. (KSE: 06657.KS), Version 7 of Zi’s eZiText one-touch entry and prediction product will now be available worldwide on a number of new LG Electronics mobile handsets on the CDMA and GSM wireless networks.
Currently available in 54 language databases, Zi’s eZiText predictive text software simplifies the mobile subscriber’s text messaging experience and drives increased adoption of an operator’s text messaging and data-centric services.
According to market research firm Strategy Analytics, final numbers for worldwide mobile handset sales in 2005 will likely break 800 million units. Strategy Analytics has also named LG Electronics the worldwide leader in CDMA handset sales, selling more than 22 million units in the first three quarters of 2005 and giving the Korean-based mobile phone manufacturer a 21.2 percent market share in the CDMA handset market.
One of the top five mobile phone manufacturers in the world, LG Electronics will continue to embed Zi’s predictive text software in its mobile phone products, including its popular CDMA and GSM handsets. The two companies will build on the momentum in the wireless industry to offer mobile subscribers a truly easy to use and advanced predictive text interface for text messaging.
LG Electronics said that they take a consumer-oriented approach when designing their products. That by embedding eZiText in LG mobile handsets they are empowering even the novice mobile phone user with the ability to efficiently use text messaging. LG added that Zi’s language leadership will enable them to reach new text messaging markets across the globe.
With eZiText Version 7’s upgraded language databases and improved engine, mobile subscribers can drastically reduce the number of key presses required to input text messages, improving the overall speed and quality of the entire experience. Available through Version 7 are Zi’s advanced prediction features, including; dual language messaging, learning and personalisation, and multiple candidate and next word prediction.
“As the only text input technology to provide true-full-word prediction all the time, eZiText continues to push the envelope of ease, speed and accuracy on today’s data-centric mobile phones,” said Milos Djokovic, chief technical officer and chief operating officer, Zi Corporation. “With its innovative features, eZiText is the most comprehensive predictive text messaging product in the wireless industry. Zi is happy to continue its relationship with LG Electronics as the two companies expand to emerging wireless markets and capitalize on opportunities in existing markets.”
The company will be at the upcoming 3GSM World Congress conference in Barcelona, Spain from February 13 to 16, 2006. Visitors to the Zi stand (E40, Hall 2) will see new language software for its eZiText and eZiTap text input technologies, further developments of Zi’s world class Decuma natural handwriting recognition and its revolutionary Qix service discovery engine — a “search, index and discovery-style” idle screen platform which makes 3G application access sheer “child’s-play” for users.
To make an appointment with Zi Corporation at 3GSM World Congress please contact Brian Dolby or Bethany Caldwell on +44(0)1159486901 or e-mail brian@gbcspr.com or Bethany@gbcspr.com.
