|  Clarity's CVC Technology To Enhance Performance Of Voice-Driven AutoPC Troy, MI - (January 7, 2002) Clarity LLC (www.clarityco.com) announced that it has entered into an agreement with Zandiant Technologies, formerly known as Clarion Advanced Technology Corporation, to supply its CVC™ (Clear Voice Capture™) and CEC™ (Clear Echo Cancellation™) technologies for enhanced voice user interface of Zandiant products while reducing the price point over existing microphone technologies. Zandiant AutoPC, a voice-driven in-car multimedia unit, will be the initial development platform for CVC technology. A more advanced multimedia device, which will have different levels of technology and price points in the market, is planned for upcoming production. Products like the AutoPC are an important part of the growing market for in-vehicle telematics devices. Navigation systems, OnStar infotainment and security, and multi-function PDA's and cell phones, are some of the initial products that can currently be found in the telematics market. Telematics-generated revenues are projected to reach $24 billion worldwide by 2010, and the number of subscribers is expected to be 100 million. "With Clarity being in the backyard of the big three automotive companies, we have assembled a world-class team of telematics experts from OnStar, Visteon, Motorola, Delphi, TI, Cisco, and others. Combined we have launched more than 30 vehicle lines in the telematics marketplace, and the car being a place of consistently high background noise, Clarity is perfectly positioned logistically, technologically and with the expertise to enable the voice interface of booming telematics devices," said Raymond Gunn, president and CEO, Clarity. Thomas Yamasaki, Director Marketing and Business Development at Zandiant added, "We view the voice interface as a critical aspect of interaction with in-vehicle devices. Zandiant sees a real need to provide a reliable and accurate voice interaction with our installed products and the vehicle occupants and Clarity's software solutions help us get to this goal. We are excited about how their products will enhance the customer experience and acceptance of our products in the telematics market moving forward." Clarity has partnered with Peiker (Germany), Hosiden (Japan) and Comworxx (USA), in response to the recent telematics surge. These key partners have fueled Clarity's capabilities in the telematics field, as it appears to be the single biggest and most immediate market for voice-based technologies (aside from cell phones). With 70% of all wireless calls being logged while on the road, and recent legislation in New York banning the use of handsets while driving, as well as 40 other states considering similar legislation, Clarity is positioned perfectly to capitalize on this opportunity in the expanding wireless community. Clarity is a leading provider of software products that improve the quality and efficiency of voice-activated human-machine interfaces. Clarity's primary strategy is to enter into co-development alliances and licensing arrangements with Original Equipment Manufacturers and suppliers in multiple industries, including automotive telematics providers, semiconductor manufacturers and telecommunications network operators and device makers worldwide. About Zandiant Technologies, Inc. Zandiant Technologies was spun-off from Clarion Co., Ltd. In February of 2001 under the leadership of Albert Wong, co-founder and former Chief Technical Officer of AST Research. Headquartered in Lake Forest, California, Zandiant specializes in the development of mobile entertainment, wireless and computing products. As an engineering consultant to the world’s leading consumer electronics manufacturers and automotive suppliers, Zandiant specializes in bringing digital technologies into the mobile environment. Forthcoming products developed by Zandiant include Clarion’s Joyride™, the first automotive computer to provide DVD video with Dolby® 5.1 Channel Surround Sound and DTS® Digital Surround. Another emerging technology developed by Zandiant is in the area of Class “D” Audio Amplifiers. Zandiant has developed a full line of car amplifiers, ranging from 2-channel to 5.1-channel models. Zandiant offers Professional Engineering Services and licensed Product Designs to mobile electronics manufacturers. For more information, contact info@zandiant.com. |