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Asurion Announces Mobile AddressBook at DEMO09
Open framework enables new communication experience on mobile phones
Palm Desert and San Mateo, CA., - March 2, 2009 — Asurion Mobile Applications, Inc. today announced Asurion Mobile AddressBook, the first truly open mobile address book that redefines the mobile experience by making the people with whom users communicate the center point for driving mobile interactions.
Asurion Mobile’s AddressBook gives mobile users the choice of third party status feeds and other dynamic content they want in order to build a rich view of their relationships with the people in their mobile address book. The open framework allows developers to plug capabilities directly into the address book to create an integrated communications experience without hopping between applications for calls, emails, messaging, sharing and social networking. Allowing users to drive all of their communications from a view of the person they’re communicating with not only enables the better use of social networks, but also enables better use of the phone itself.
“Asurion Mobile’s AddressBook is a wonderful rethinking of mobile communications, allowing us to drive our communications from a people-centric point of view,” said Chris Shipley, executive producer of the DEMO conferences. “This people-centric view is a more natural way of thinking about communicating and accessing information on a mobile phone, and Asurion Mobile’s innovative open framework will allow third parties to extend the capabilities of the address book in new ways. Take notice, because this is the kind of application that will drive consumers to switch phones and operators.”
Key features of Asurion’s Mobile AddressBook include:
Open Framework: Enables Seamless User Experience Asurion Mobile AddressBook is the first open mobile address book that allows developers to plug features, functions and content directly into the address book. The unique, patent-pending architecture opens not only the contact database, but also the user experience flow so that operators and developers have the ability to integrate rich functionality wherever most relevant. Mix-ins: Provide User Choice for People-Centric Communications Mix-ins weave content, functions and services directly into the contact views of the address book. Users choose the Mix-ins they want to use, including email, messaging, social networks, media sharing, mapping, interactive games and more. Smart Contacts: Quick Access to Key Services and Information Smart Contacts turn contacts in the address book into mini-applications, giving users quick access to the broad range of services and information they need on the go, such as directory assistance, local search, reservations, customer service, and more. Groups: Interactive Sharing Among Connected Users Groups allow dynamic updates of shared content between users for family or social group address books, shared photo albums, group messaging and more. Skinnable User Experience: Delivers Custom-Branded Applications Asurion Mobile AddressBook supports complete customization of the user experience and branding to deliver enhanced address books for wireless operators, handset manufacturers and web-based services.
Open Framework: Enables Seamless User Experience Asurion Mobile AddressBook is the first open mobile address book that allows developers to plug features, functions and content directly into the address book. The unique, patent-pending architecture opens not only the contact database, but also the user experience flow so that operators and developers have the ability to integrate rich functionality wherever most relevant.
Mix-ins: Provide User Choice for People-Centric Communications Mix-ins weave content, functions and services directly into the contact views of the address book. Users choose the Mix-ins they want to use, including email, messaging, social networks, media sharing, mapping, interactive games and more.
Smart Contacts: Quick Access to Key Services and Information Smart Contacts turn contacts in the address book into mini-applications, giving users quick access to the broad range of services and information they need on the go, such as directory assistance, local search, reservations, customer service, and more.
Groups: Interactive Sharing Among Connected Users Groups allow dynamic updates of shared content between users for family or social group address books, shared photo albums, group messaging and more.
Skinnable User Experience: Delivers Custom-Branded Applications Asurion Mobile AddressBook supports complete customization of the user experience and branding to deliver enhanced address books for wireless operators, handset manufacturers and web-based services.
“There’s been a lot of talk in the mobile industry about open applications and platforms,” said Steve Pretre, vice president and general manager of Asurion Mobile Applications. “We’re excited to have developed an open application framework that truly delivers on the promise of creating an integrated user experience centered around the people with whom we communicate.”
Availability Asurion Mobile plans to initially offer this service direct to consumers while also pursuing opportunities with handset manufacturers and wireless operators to deliver custom-branded versions of the application. A limited beta will be available shortly after DEMO09, initially on the Android platform. Interested users can visit www.asurionmobile.com/beta to join. To access an electronic press kit, please visit www.asurionmobile.com/presskit.
About Asurion Mobile Applications Asurion Mobile Applications, Inc. is the leading provider of mobile applications designed to securely enable backup, sharing, and syndication of mobile phone content regardless of handset manufacturer or operating system. AMA deploys hosted, carrier-branded, and tailored solutions that are integrated with carrier networks and billing systems to optimize ease of use, adoption, and overall subscriber experience. AMA serves five of the top U.S. carriers, the leading carrier in Canada, and numerous carriers in Latin America with carrier-branded solutions that enhance the subscriber experience, increase brand loyalty, reduce churn and drive incremental revenue. For additional information about Asurion Mobile, visit www.asurionmobile.com.
About Asurion Asurion Inc., the parent company of AMA, is the global leader in technology protection services. From lost, stolen and damaged wireless handsets to malfunctioning computers or HD-TVs, Asurion provides more than 75 million consumers worldwide with best-in-class, next day device replacement. Asurion is the exclusive provider to many of the world’s premier telecommunications and retail companies. Our success is built on a foundation of shared values with clients -- quality service, relationships, integrity, and financial strength. Offerings include Roadside Assistance Services, Handset Insurance Services, Warranty Management and Equipment Maintenance Services, Debt Protection, and Mobile Applications. Asurion is privately-held with more than 10,000 employees and operates in six countries across three continents. For additional information about Asurion, visit www.asurion.com.
About DEMO Produced by Network World Events and Executive Forums, the semi-annual DEMO conferences focus on emerging technologies and new products, which are hand-selected from across the spectrum of the technology marketplace. The DEMO conferences have earned their reputation for consistently identifying tomorrow's cutting-edge technologies, and have served as launch pad events for companies such as Palm, E*Trade, Handspring, and U.S. Robotics, helping them to secure venture funding, establish critical business relationships, and influence early adopters. Each DEMO conference features approximately 70 new companies, products and technologies. For more information, visit www.demo.com.
