Livescribe's Pulse™ Smartpen is Ready for the Holidays - Now Mac Compatible
Livescribe to release major new features just in time for Thanksgiving
OAKLAND, Calif.– November 17, 2008 – Just in time for the holidays, Livescribe Inc. (www.livescribe.com) announced today the public beta of its native Mac desktop application – Livescribe Desktop for Mac. Livescribe also announced key new features for its Pulse smartpen, including handwriting to text transcription software and the ability for consumers to print dot paper notepads for free.
From college students to business professionals, from medical workers to detectives, and from parents to attorneys, Livescribe’s Pulse smartpen is a simple, affordable and effective way to take notes and recordings, so they never miss a word they hear, write, or speak again. "Given the current state of the economy, people want gifts that solve real problems," said Jim Marggraff, Livescribe's founder, chairman and CEO. "Forty-three percent of people we surveyed between the ages of 25-54 said they are looking for technology gifts that are 'useful' this holiday season. Pulse fills this need. It's a useful solution for anyone tasked with gathering and organizing information – college students, professionals, or anyone who uses pen and paper."
Now Mac Compatible
Livescribe Desktop for Mac Public Beta: Just in time for Thanksgiving, the Pulse smartpen is now compatible with all Intel-based Mac computers with Leopard OS 10.5. Beginning Nov. 24, consumers can download the public beta software for free at www.livescribe.com/install. The software makes it possible for Mac users to upload their notes and audio recordings, play them back, search for words, and easily browse through digital copies of their notes.
Livescribe is inviting all Pulse smartpen owners to e-mail their feedback on the public beta release to: livescribe.customerservice@anoto.com. Version 1.0 of the Livescribe Desktop for Mac will be available in Q1 2009.
All current and new users of the Pulse smartpen can use Pulse with Mac computers for free. Additional details can be found at www.livescribe.com.
New Features for Windows Users
Handwriting to Text Transcription: Responding to the number one requested feature among Pulse smartpen owners, Livescribe's partner Vision Objects is offering “MyScript for Livescribe” text transcription software, which allows note takers to seamlessly transcribe their handwritten notes into text. The software will be available with the Livescribe Desktop for Windows (version 1.4) to be released on Nov. 24.
With MyScript for Livescribe, consumers can make edits to their converted text and even create a personal dictionary of frequently used words to ensure a more accurate conversion. The text can be copied and pasted into a variety of applications, including Microsoft Word and Outlook. On Nov. 24, MyScript for Livescribe transcription software can be downloaded as a free 30-day trial or purchased for $29.95 at www.visionobjects.com/store. The software works best with neat and legible handwriting.
Print Your Own Paper: With the release of Livescribe Desktop for Windows 1.4, consumers have the ability to print dot paper notepads for free. Dot paper notepads can be printed directly from the Livescribe Desktop toolbar on most color laser jet printers that are Adobe Post Script compatible and print at 600dpi or higher. In addition, Livescribe provides a variety of dot paper notebooks, including lined and unlined journals and college-ruled notebooks for purchase at prices comparable to other college-ruled notebooks.
Additional Support: Version 1.4 of the Livescribe Desktop includes full support for Windows XP 32 bit, and Vista 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems.
New Awards and Kudos from Customers
The Livescribe Pulse smartpen walked away with several significant award wins in the last few weeks, including a Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Award, a Popular Science Best of What’s New Award and one of Ubergizmo’s Uber10 Top Gadgets of the Year.
Livescribe recently interviewed Pulse owners
to share their experiences on how they're using their Pulse smartpen.
To see what customers are saying click here:
http://www.livescribe.com/blog/2008/10/03/users-share-their-experiences-with-the-livescribe-pulse-smartpen/.
Pulse Smartpen Overview
The Pulse smartpen is a computer within a pen that captures handwriting and simultaneously records audio and synchronizes it to the writing. Consumers tap on their notes to replay what was recorded from the exact moment they were writing. With pre-printed controls at the bottom of the dot paper notebooks, they can fast forward, rewind, jump ahead, pause or even speed up or slow down the audio recordings to easily access information. All of this information, including the audio, can then be uploaded into their computers to save, search for keywords or share with friends, colleagues and classmates.
Availability and Pricing
The Pulse smartpen is available in two models. Priced at $149, the 1GB model provides storage for over 100 hours of recorded audio. At $199, the 2GB model doubles the storage capacity and provides more flexibility for downloading future applications. Accessories for the Pulse smartpen are available including a leather case or two-pack of journals available in black or red.
Pulse is available in the electronics section at Target stores nationwide, Costco wholesale stores nationwide, as well as Amazon.com, Livescribe.com and over 100 major campus bookstores.
For more information about Livescribe visit www.livescribe.com.
About Livescribe
Located in Oakland, Calif., Livescribe has developed a new low-cost mobile computing platform that enhances productivity, learning, communication and self expression for anyone that uses pen and paper. The Pulse smartpen revolutionizes the act of writing by recording and linking audio to handwriting, so users never miss a word. Livescribe was founded by Jim Marggraff, the inventor of paper-based computing. For more information, visit Livescribe at www.livescribe.com.
About Anoto Group AB
Anoto Group is the world leader in Digital Pen and Paper technology and inventor of the first commercialized Digital Pen and Paper system allowing quick and reliable transmission of handwritten text from paper to digital media. Anoto works with a global network of partners focusing on user-friendly forms solutions for efficient capture, transmission and storing of data for a variety of business segments including healthcare, banking and finance, transportation and logistics, government and education. The Anoto Group has around 100 employees, offices in Lund (head office), Boston and Tokyo. Major shareholders are Norden Technology A/S, Robur and SEB. The Anoto share is traded on the Mid Cap of the OMX Nordic Exchanges in Stockholm under the ticker ANOT. For more information: www.anoto.com.
Press Contact:
Jody Farrar
A&R Edelmen for Livescribe
650.762.2925
jfarrar@ar-edelman.com
