I wanted to post this new release from my friend Linda Marroquin, CEO of FrogPad, Inc.

 

Howard

 

 

You don’t need no stinking QWERTY!

Heralding the Death of QWERTY, FrogPad™ accesses HID drivers

For the Bluetooth Enabled One-Handed Keyboard

 

Pushing for New Global Standard in Data Entry,

Company Showcases New Keyboard for UMPCs, Nokia 770, Symbian Smartphones, and desktops.

 

Houston, Texas—May 9, 2006, FrogPad™ Inc. (www.frogpad.com ), maker of the revolutionary portable one-handed keyboard, FrogPad™ uses Bluetooth HID drivers for the One-Handed FrogPad, and announces the seamless integration of FrogPad Bluetooth keyboard with Bluetooth enabled UMPCs, Nokia 770 Internet Tablet (http://www.nokiausa.com/770) and Symbian Smartphones (http://www.symbian.com). Dubbed the iFrog, the new keyboard incorporates FrogPad’s patented ergonomic layout designed around the 15 most-used letters in the English alphabet with the latest wireless Bluetooth technology, and accomplishes 100% of all functions of a QWERTY keyboard.   FrogPad is the premier keyboard that will make these products successful.

 

Pioneering a new global standard for data entry, the FrogPad keyboard breaks the century-old QWERTY code. Unlike QWERTY, whose design was derived from the limitations of 19th Century typewriter technology, the FrogPad offers a patented logical algorithm and design that encourages correct ergonomic posture.  Additionally, given its use of full-size keys, the FrogPad offers users of mobile computing devices an superior alternative to the script-based, mini thumb keyboard platforms or folding keyboards currently available. The FrogPad offers users a consistent interface across desktop and mobile environments, no more re-learning a new data input method every time you upgrade a device.  After an average of 10-12 hours of training and practice, most FrogPad users can achieve input rates of up to 30-40 words per minute, as compared to the average of 10-20 words per minute by the fastest thumb typists. And FrogPad can be adapted for wearable computing with Velcro straps.

 

FrogPad to Mac, PC, Tablet users:  Cut Your Cables and Hop Onboard

Measuring just 3” x 5”, the iFrog is the only fully functional and portable keyboard with low profile, full-sized keys for fast, easy and accessible data entry.  Created with designers, educators, students, mobile professionals and the physically challenged in mind, the Bluetooth iFrog gives mobile road warriors a viable alternative to the sub-optimal design of the QWERTY keyboard.  For example, designers using CAD (computer-aided design) applications can now keep one hand on a mouse at all times and freely input data via the iFrog with the other hand. 

 

“Enterprise and mobile road warriors have always been on the leading edge of adopting new tools that change the way people interact with technology—the iFrog fits that bill,” said Linda Marroquin, Founder, President and CEO, FrogPadä, Inc.  “As FrogPad becomes the new global standard for wireless data input, combining it with the Bluetooth wireless standard is a natural development. Therefore, we demand to know why more mobile products do not have Bluetooth HID as a standard integrated driver!”

 

The space-saving iFrog offers users mobility and portability in numerous commercial and industrial applications.  With a built-in rechargeable battery, the iFrog can be charged either through a wall adapter plug or through a standard USB port.  The iFrog is available for immediate purchase. 

 

Bluetooth and FrogPad:  New Standards Set to Take Off for 2006.

Since October 2003, FrogPad and Gennum Corporation have been jointly developing Bluetooth products that utilize the GENBlue™ Module.  Powered by Cambridge Silicon Radio’s single chip technology, the module features full Bluetooth functionality and compatibility with Bluetooth enabled devices. 

 

The iFrog fully supports the Bluetooth Human Interface Device (HID) profile, unlike many products that use the spam prone Serial Port (SPP) profile. Any platform that supports the HID profile (Macintosh OS X, Linux, Symbian Smartphones, most Windows Bluetooth adapters, Windows Mobile 5.0) “just works” out of the box with the iFrog with no drivers to load.  FrogPad is also developing HID compliant drivers with strategic partner, CC2GO, for those platforms that do not include HID support built in. 

 

“As we look for ways to help unwire people with our Bluetooth solutions, we’re very excited by the fast deployment of the GENBlue module on the iFrog,” said Gora Ganguli, vice president and general manager, Gennum Corporation. “Having only worked with FrogPad for a relatively short period of time, we’re extremely impressed by how quickly we’ve moved from partnership agreement to production.  Today’s announcement is a terrific step for Bluetooth and FrogPad, and we look forward to working with FrogPad to develop new and innovative wireless solutions that enhance the lives of our users.”

 

Press Conference

FrogPad will host a press conference to showcase the IFrog in May 17, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. CDT in Houston Texas, at the corporate offices.  In attendance will be FrogPad’s CEO, Linda Marroquin, and executives from strategic partners.  Qualified media can sign up to receive review units at the press conference.

For more information and to view the FrogPad, RSVP @ 713 529 4474.

 

About FrogPadä Inc.

FrogPad, Inc. (www.frogpad.com) is an innovator of data entry methods for mobile computing and communication.  A new standard for data entry, FrogPad's flagship product is a practical single-handed text/numeric 20 key keyboard that uses a patented simultaneous key-function change technology and ergonomic optimization.  Ideal for the mobile professional, FrogPad's unique design provides all of the functionality of a full sized keyboard in a fraction of the space.  FrogPad’s data entry algorithm was originally conceived in 1994, with patents for the unique design issued in 1998, 1999, 2001, 2005.  The first production model of the FrogPad was designed by highly acclaimed industrial design firm IDEO.  Founded in 1998, FrogPad is a privately held company based in Houston, Texas, and is delivering its products through global partners.

 

This document may contain forward-looking statements, relating to the Company's future financial results and operations or to the environment in which it operates, which are based on FrogPad’s operations, estimates, forecasts and projections. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, and/or are beyond FrogPad’s control. FrogPad disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

For more information, contact:

Linda Marroquin

FrogPad, Inc.

713 529 4474