Livescribe Launches Global Developer Challenge

Competition launched to encourage creation of new pen applications with more than $10,000 in cash prizes up for grabs

OAKLAND, Calif. – December 7, 2009 – Livescribe Inc. (www.livescribe.com) today announced the launch of a global developer competition to encourage the creation of compelling applications for the Pulse smartpen in 2010 and beyond. The contest, which is live at runs until Feb. 13, 2010, invites developers to create exciting applications built on the Livescribe platform in three categories: entertainment, education and productivity.

Entrants are asked to upload 30-90 second videos demonstrating their original application to the contest site. All submissions will then be judged by the Livescribe fan community and a panel of judges. Winners will receive a cash prize and have their application promoted on the Livescribe Application store. The contest also gives Livescribe smartpen customers and fans the chance to tell developers their application ideas to inspire developers to turn them into a reality.

Developers have the chance to win several prizes amounting to more than $10,000 in cash when the winners are selected on March 7, 2010. A grand prize of $5,000 will go to the most popular application as voted by the public and category winners will receive a $500 prize. A second $5,000 cash prize will be awarded by a panel of judges including technology media and well known developers.

“We are fortunate to already have a global community of more than 5,000 developers worldwide; however, we hope that this contest will encourage not only the existing community, but also other developers to try their hand at creating and developing compelling and innovative applications on the unique Pulse platform,” said Jim Marggraff, founder and chief executive officer of Livescribe. “It is very much a part of Livescribe's vision to support developers, and the recent unveiling of the application store and launch of the higher capacity 4GB pen presents us with an excellent opportunity to create a rich pipeline of applications for consumers ranging from productivity and reference tools, to games, entertainment, travel and education.”

During the contest submission period, participants register to become an official developer with the Livescribe Developer Program and download the Livescribe Software Development Kit (SDK). The SDK contains all the required tools and instructions to enable a participant to build an application. Additional information and steps to submit to the contest are available on the contest site.

Livescribe recently announced the launch of an Application Store that currently contains more than 30 free as well as paid for applications which extend the functionality of the Pulse smartpen beyond its core feature of recording and linking audio to handwriting. Current applications include a range of language apps that help users to read and hear translated phrases in Spanish, French, German, Japanese or even Korean. There are also educational apps that help users study geometry, organic chemistry, Hebrew chanting, as well as numerous games including Blackjack, Video Poker or Hangman. Users can also listen to classical music pieces or even play a guitar or a piano right from the ‘pentip’ of their Pulse smartpen.

The Livescribe Pulse smartpen is available in two models: A 2GB model, storing more than 200 hours of audio for $169.95 and 4GB model, storing more than 400 hours of audio for $199.95. Both are available for purchase at Best Buy, Staples, Target, Amazon.com, select Apple stores and Apple.com and 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. 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