Oregon Scientific Announces Plans to Deliver Revolutionary New Timing and Weather Products

Oregon Scientific Announces Plans to Deliver Revolutionary New Timing and Weather Products

World's Leading Timing and Weather Manufacturer Introduces Another "World's First" Innovation with Convenient and Instant Access to Comprehensive Local Weather Information

Products to utilize Microsoft's Smart Personal Objects Technology and MSN Direct Service

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Oregon Scientific, Inc., the world's leading timing and weather manufacturer today announced plans to develop and market new timing and weather products leveraging Microsoft's Smart Personal Objects Technology (SPOT) and the MSN Direct Service.

Oregon Scientific's household and portable devices will receive and display real-time local weather information through Microsoft's nationwide wireless communication network using Microsoft's Smart Personal Objects Technology. In keeping with Oregon Scientific's "SmartLiving" brand philosophy, the new products will also serve as lifestyle enriching home decor. The first MSN Direct-enabled products will be widely available in Fall 2005.

Weather products incorporating the MSN Direct service will bring a wide range of local information to consumers, including three-day weather forecast, sunrise/sunset, wind direction and speed, heat index, freeze alert, pollen count and UV levels. These products will constitute the second generation of truly "smart" personal objects: everyday devices whose core purposes are enhanced through easy-to-use software.

"The agreement between Oregon Scientific and Microsoft to deliver real- time information devices leveraging the MSN Direct service reflects the recognition that robust, personalized information, delivered with unprecedented ease-of-use, represents the future of wireless time and weather devices," said Paul Zimmerman, Oregon Scientific president. "Our customers demand an elegant experience -- they expect vital information instantly, without having to reach for the computer or the remote control. With MSN Direct, we will exceed those expectations."

"Microsoft's vision with Smart Personal Objects Technology is to improve people's lives by making everyday objects smarter and better at their core functions," said Bill Mitchell, corporate vice president of the Mobile Platform Division at Microsoft Corp. "We're excited to join with Oregon Scientific to develop a collection of fashionable products that provide convenient access to timely, relevant and location-based weather information."

Today's weather forecast devices are based on more expensive and elaborated sensors and gauges. With MSN Direct-enabled products, people will access, at a convenient glance, professional-level weather station information that is relevant to their daily lives.

A Revolution in Timing and Weather Products

"Time and weather are two of the most universally relevant items of information in our daily lives," states Zimmerman. "Microsoft's SPOT technology allows us to bring a rich set of functionality and information to consumers in devices costing between $50-$300 that was previously only possible in weather stations costing $1,000 or more."

In addition to a full range of weather-related information, SPOT technology will allow the radio-based atomic clock signal to be received in metropolitan areas where it has previously suffered from interference. This coverage extension will bring the benefits of always-accurate time (including automatic time zone and daylight savings adjustments) to virtually all locations in North America.

About Oregon Scientific

Oregon Scientific began in 1989 in Portland, Oregon. The company's mission is to provide unique lifestyle products that manage and enhance daily life; specifically by developing and bringing to market award-winning, innovative, design-oriented products in five categories: time and weather, health and fitness, digital imaging and audio, A/V, telecommunications and electronic learning. Today the company is a wholly owned subsidiary of IDT International, one of the world's premier electronic manufacturers and a publicly listed Hong Kong group. For more information about Oregon Scientific, visit the company Web Site at www.oregonscientific.com

Product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.


Source: Oregon Scientific, Inc.

CONTACT: Clark Chen of Oregon Scientific, Inc., +1-503-888-6880 or
clark.chen@oscientific.com

Web site: http://www.oregonscientific.com/


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