PACKETVIDEO ADDS NEW INTERACTIVE FEATURES TO AWARD-WINNING TWONKYMEDIA MANAGER SOFTWARE
Version 1.2 Provides Seamless Device Transfer, Chat Functionality,
Guest Playlist Options and More
SAN DIEGO – August 5, 2009 – PacketVideo (PV) announced today that a new version of its award-winning home media server software, TwonkyMedia™ manager v1.2, is now available for download at www.twonkymedia.com.
The latest version incorporates new features and functionality that provide users with more ways than ever to enjoy and share media throughout the connected home. TwonkyMedia manager v1.2 is available today for $39.95 and includes installation for up to three different PCs. A 30-day free trial is available to new users and a low-cost upgrade is available for all current TwonkyMedia server owners.
“We’re rolling out a number of exciting enhancements that make TwonkyMedia manager even more intuitive and interactive than before,” said Rick Schwartz, senior product manager, PV. “The software’s functionality, including its simple drag-and-drop user interface, has already set it apart from the competition with consumers and CE manufacturers alike. Instead of resting on our laurels, we’re constantly seeking new ways to innovate. We’re confident users will find TwonkyMedia manager v1.2 offers an experience that is unlike anything else available on the market.”
“Follow Me” Feature
A new “Follow Me” feature enables users to transfer their currently playing music queue from one device to another without losing their place in a playlist, meeting the needs of many real world scenarios. For instance, a user getting ready for their day can start a music playlist in the bedroom while getting dressed, and then move the playlist to a device located in the kitchen while they eat breakfast, with only a few simple clicks to the TwonkyMedia manager interface. The feature can also be used to seamlessly stream photo slide shows or video from one media player or PC to another throughout the home.
“Chat” Feature
TwonkyMedia manager now also features a simple party line chat that enables users on a local network to type messages to each other in the Now Playing window or the Manage windows. Each message is dated and time stamped, and includes the name of the renderer who sent the message. A scroll bar makes it simple for users to review and navigate messages, and the chat window can be minimized and expanded for easy viewing. No more yelling across the house – the chat feature provides a fast and efficient way to discuss media collections with users in other rooms throughout the home or office.
“Listen In” and “Guest Playlist” Features
Unlike competing media server software, the new TwonkyMedia manager “Listen In” feature enables users to “eavesdrop” on music that another user is enjoying on the same network and stream it to a nearby device. By clicking the “Listen In” button, the other users’ entire queue is copied into the new user’s local renderer. Because the queue has been copied, the new user maintains independent control of the media on their local device, enabling them to pause or skip songs without affecting the other user. The feature works with photos and videos as well.
TwonkyMedia manager’s new “Guest Playlist” feature enables users to “cherry-pick” the best songs from another user on their network on a song-by-song basis. Once a song is selected, the new user can add it to their guest playlist on the fly. For example, if a user hears a song they like being played elsewhere in the home by another user, they can click on the icon for the other users’ renderer to see what other songs are in their queue. The new user can then quickly add their favorite songs and create their own guest playlist.
“Thumbs Up / Thumbs Down” Ratings
There are now two ways for users to rate music in TwonkyMedia manger. In addition to using a star system in the Manage window, users can now also rate media in the Now Playing window – on the fly during playback – using the “Thumbs Up / Thumbs Down” system. Using this system, users can determine how many stars a click on “Thumbs Up” or “Thumbs Down” earns for each song. It’s a fast and painless way to organize and rate tracks with the single click of a button.
# # #
About PacketVideo
Founded in 1998, PacketVideo is the software pioneer powering the world’s leading multimedia services on millions of home and mobile devices. PacketVideo is a subsidiary of NextWave Wireless Inc. (NASDAQ: WAVE).
Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains “forward-looking statements” for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurances that forward-looking statements will be achieved, and actual events or results could differ materially from the events or results predicted or from any other forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, PV, and should not be considered as an indication of future events or results. Important factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially are described in filings of our parent company, NextWave Wireless Inc. (NASDAQ: WAVE) with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All such documents are available through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. PV makes no commitment to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect changes in events or circumstances after the date any such statement is made, except as may be required pursuant to applicable law.
For further information:
Ruder Finn
Jeff Seedman
+1 310 882 4009