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Tao(R) Partners With SoniqCast(R) and PassAlong Networks(R) to Present the World's First Wireless-Enabled Portable Media Player at the 2005 Digital Living RoomSAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Tao(R) (http://www.taolife.com/), along with its technology partners SoniqCast(R) (http://www.soniqcast.com/) and PassAlong(R) Networks (http://www.passalong.com/), today unveiled the first truly Wireless Media Player to more than 50 industry analysts, media and technology futurists at the 2005 Digital Living Room. The Tao Wireless Media Player is the first portable device to free users from the myriad of cables and connective hardware associated with MP3 players. Available the first quarter of 2006, the Tao Wireless Media Player provides simple, un-tethered transferring and downloading of content over wireless hotspots from the internet, from the PC to device and between units. The Tao Wireless Media Player is the first-to-market MP3 player that automatically locates and accesses hotspots to allow the consumer to download music, audio books, talk programs, major newspapers and more. Customers can listen to their content at the lake, their local coffee shop, on a bike path or even while on an airplane. Simplifying usability, the Tao Wireless Media Player allows users to store, access and organize content in whatever manner they wish. "With Tao, we have a partner that truly envisions and embraces the digital future in terms of the lifestyle of the consumer," explained Kurt Thielen, President and COO of SoniqCast, the platform developer for Tao. "Tao's Wireless Media Player puts the consumer in control of how, when and what he or she receives in the way of content and information. Coupled with the freedom from extraneous devices and connective accessories, this product is at the heart of what trend watchers look for here at the Digital Living Room." SoniqCast's wireless platform has earned CNET's "Best of CES" and Tech TV's "Best of CES" finalist awards. The portable, hand-held device comes with a 20 gigabyte hard drive, and enables users to log onto a hotspot and download favorite content directly to the unit. The technology also enables users to share content between two devices. And with content and service providers such as PassAlong and SoniqCast, more than 1.6 million songs, 10,000 books and 1,000 publications are available to users on the go. PassAlong's p2pREVOLUTION(TM) platform controls the player-to-player digital rights management, while PassAlong's innovative Passing-and-Points(TM) feature allows users to earn points toward future purchases by recommending and passing songs to friends via instant messenger or email. These technologies will empower users with a legitimate solution for sharing songs and playlists without being bound to a computer, presenting an exciting advancement in the evolution of portable media. "This is the next generation media player, and we are certain that our Passing-and-Points program will help to create a truly unique music experience," said Dave Jaworski, CEO of PassAlong Networks. "With the Tao Wireless Media Player, you're seeing the convergence of several digital trends combined into one technology." About Tao Tao consumer electronics offer innovative, yet proven technology that delivers communications, information and entertainment to sophisticated consumers when, where and how they want it. Tao's XM2go was awarded the Editor's Pick in Wired magazine's "2005 Best Gear and Gagets on The Planet" review. Atlanta-based Tao is part of Giant International, a nation-wide provider of home and business electronics and communications solutions. More information can be found at http://www.taolife.com/. About SoniqCast SoniqCast is a leading-edge innovator and developer of wireless platforms, software solutions, and hardware form factors which enable wireless access to a wide variety of Internet content. The platform allows easy WiFi wireless access to music, audio, video, and digital content available through the internet and can be incorporated into many consumer electronic devices; such as PDAs, cell phones, and digital media players. With the SoniqCast platform, users can wirelessly access content via a computer or internet hot spot to download unlimited amounts of digital content; including books, magazines, talk radio, and newspapers -- even while away from home or on the go. For additional information, visit http://www.soniqcast.com/. About PassAlong Networks PassAlong Networks provides content creators, labels and studios with solutions that revolutionize the way people experience digital entertainment. Its B2B2C technology platform -- p2pREVOLUTION(TM) -- includes a suite of private-label applications that enables clients to offer a world-class digital music experience ranging from fully customizable, web services enabled solutions to the newly launched affiliate program which enables organizations to quickly and cost-effectively build a co-branded online digital music community through PassAlong.com. All PassAlong powered digital music stores provide the end consumer with 1.6 million licensed songs, more than 1.1 million available songs, and the industry standard Passing-and-Points(TM) program. The second component of p2pREVOLUTION, FREEDOM(TM), provides cross- platform, multi-format interoperability, security, rights protection, and media empowerment for both content creators and content users. Founded in 2002, PassAlong Networks is privately held and based in Franklin, Tenn. For more information visit http://www.passalongnetworks.com/. CO: Tao; SoniqCast; PassAlong; Giant InternationalST: California, GeorgiaIN: MEN CPR RAD ITE TLS MUS PER ENTSU: PDT Tao CONTACT: Mark Wheeler of Hauser Group for Tao, +1-404-222-0600 ext. 16,or [email protected]; or Cheryl Gray of Tao, +1-678-904-6025,[email protected]; or Kurt Thielen of SoniqCast, +1-952-932-3139,[email protected]; or Alyssa Greiner of Connors Communications forPassAlong, +1-212-798-1420, or [email protected] Web site: http://www.taolife.com/http://www.soniqcast.com/http://www.passalong.com/http:// www.passalongnetworks.com/ |