DEMOmobile 2004: The Best and Brightest in Mobility
Acclaimed Conference Opens with Focus on Data To Go and Mobile Entertainment

LA JOLLA, Ca. – September 9, 2004 – DEMOmobile 2004 opened today to an enthusiastic audience of influential analysts, media, venture capitalists, and business executives, all of whom rely on the conference for exclusive insights into the future of mobile technology. Produced by Network World Events & Executive Forums, DEMOmobile is hosting thirty-three companies and launching never-before-seen products designed to ease and secure the way that consumers and professionals access services from a variety of mobile devices.

"The pace of change in the mobile marketplace is astounding," said DEMOmobile Executive Producer Chris Shipley. "The focus of mobility has shifted from computer to communicator, and mobility is no longer an afterthought to a desktop-centered application. Mobility is integral to nearly every IT initiative. And perhaps most importantly, the center of the mobile marketplace is no longer a laptop, but rather an individual who is empowered to adopt and adapt technology to meet professional objectives and personal needs."

Thursday's morning session opened with an overview and analysis of the mobile technology industry by Shipley, who noted that the proliferation of smart mobile devices, connected to valuable data and application services, is ushering in a new computing paradigm she calls Service-based Computing. Also in the spotlight were key announcements from:

  • Pepper Computer – The Pepper Pad 2, a simplified wireless computer for the Digital Home, delivers a solid digital information and entertainment experience without the expense and complexity of a full-blown PC.
  • EverNote – Allows anyone to capture, organize and easily find all types of notes created over the years: typed or handwritten.
  • Skype – Free and easy-to-use software that lets users make voice calls from any hot spot using a wi-fi enabled handheld.
  • Vazu – Vazu Seek and Vazu Click software allows users to send phone number entries to mobile phones, with just one click.

DEMOmobile attendees benefited from a panel moderated by Rajeev Chand, senior equity analyst for Rutberg & Co. Chand discussed how the broadband technology choices of leading carriers affect mobile data service providers and consumers with executives from Sprint, SK Telecom, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Vodafone. Each of these service providers agreed that the needs, interests, and desires of the consumer will drive the development of new mobile communications and data services, including streaming video and other high-bandwidth applications.

The DEMOmobile conference features live, on-stage demos, product showcases, trend analysis and lively debates with the thought leaders who are shaping the technology industry. Hundreds of companies vie to debut new products and services at DEMOmobile, but only a select few are chosen by Shipley. These companies, which hail from all corners of the nation and from countries around the world, represent the best of the future of the industry.

"While wireless connectivity has become standard in business computing, the consumer entertainment market has needed to catch up," continued Shipley. "Wireless technology is transforming entertainment, from game playing on mobile phone devices to enjoying music and video in the home. There will be a great deal of activity in this sector in the coming months, beginning with a handful of strong companies launching here at DEMOmobile."

Consumer entertainment products were launched by:

  • AudioFeast, Inc.– delivering radio programming for MP3 players and PCs via 400 channels at an "all you can listen" price. Subscribers can listen from their desktops or sync and listen from a growing number of MP3 players.
  • OnAir Entertainment, Inc. – providing live television to Wi-Fi-enabled laptops and PDAs in public hot spots, including airports, train stations, hotels, convention centers, trains, and planes.
  • Sorrent, Inc. – updating its classic mobile entertainment title, FOX Sports Football '05, featuring vivid graphics, changing weather conditions, and more than 100 plays. Available for Java and BREW-enabled handsets in time for the upcoming NFL season.
  • ViewSonic Corporation – delivering all your digital media content to any display, anywhere in your home, streamlining the process of enjoying and sharing digital content.

Thursday afternoon's session focused on such topics as building and managing wireless networks, delivering services and functionality via the wireless platform, and mobile marketing initiatives. Executives from AGmobile Corporation, AOL Mobile, Yahoo!, MusiKube, and Nokia Ventures participated in a panel discussion predicting the kinds of applications and services that deliver real breakthroughs in mobile productivity and entertainment via broadband connectivity.

DEMOmobile 2004 Sponsors and Partners
DEMOmobile 2004 sponsors are Aruba Wireless Networks, Blackberry, Porter Novelli, and Qualcomm. Partner companies include Backbone Magazine, The Catchpole Corporation, The Forum for Women Entrepreneurs, IBD Network, The Kerton Group, Mobile Enterprise Magazine, PR Newswire, The San Diego Telecom Council, Software & Information Industry Association, Tech Coast Angels, and Wireless Week.

About the DEMO Conferences
The annual DEMO and DEMOmobile conferences focus on emerging technologies and new products, which are hand-selected from across the spectrum of the personal technology marketplace. The DEMO conferences have earned their reputation for consistently identifying tomorrow's cutting-edge technologies. DEMO and DEMOmobile have served as launch pad events for companies such as Palm, E*Trade, Handspring, and U.S. Robotics, helping them to secure venture funding, establish critical business relationships, and influence early adopters. DEMO is held in February each year and features approximately 60 new companies, products and technologies. DEMOmobile, named "2002 Best Conference" by Conferenza, is held each fall and features approximately 40 new mobile technologies. For more information on the DEMO conferences, visit http://www.demo.com.

The DEMO community also benefits from the award winning DEMOletter. A weekly e-newsletter designed to reach the people who are creating companies, building products and launching new ideas, DEMOletter provides smart insight and analysis of entrepreneurial business issues.

About Network World
Network World, Inc., the Leader in Network Knowledge, empowers Network IT Executives through education, information and community. Network World, an IDG company, is the leading provider of news, analysis, reviews, events and education on information technology. Network World publishes the leading newsweekly, Network World, hosts the most active online community, Network World Fusion (http://www.nwfusion.com), and produces educational seminars and events worldwide. Network World's portfolio of strategic marketing programs provides marketing and agency professionals with the tools to generate high-quality leads, optimize marketing campaigns, and create new revenue opportunities.

About IDG
International Data Group (IDG) is the world's leading technology media, research, and event company. A privately-held company, IDG publishes more than 300 magazines and newspapers including Bio-IT World, CIO, CSO, Computerworld, GamePro, InfoWorld, Network World, and PC World. The company features the largest network of technology-specific Web sites with more than 400 around the world. IDG is also a leading producer of more than 170 computer-related events worldwide including LinuxWorld Conference & ExpoR, MacworldConference & ExpoR, DEMOR, and IDC Directions. IDC provides global market research and advice through offices in 50 countries. Company information is available at http://www.idg.com.
For More Information
MC2 Communications for DEMOmobile:
Carla Thompson, 214-924-6066, carla@mc2pr.net
Becky Sniffen, 510-531-1710, becky@mc2pr.net