Sony New Technologies, Inc.
Monterey, California
Highlights:
Creating Magic Cap software packages for general use and for specific vertical applications. Design and programming services available on contract.
Background:
Sony New Technologies, Inc. (SNTI), a division within Sony Corporation of America, develops software for Magic Cap as well as applications for the Internet and World Wide Web. Formed in 1986, the company has capitalized on Magic Cap's easy-to-use interface, to become a leader in wireline and wireless communications software development.
In March 1993, SNTI formed the General Magic Development Team dedicated to creating easy-to-use, compelling applications that take advantage of the unique communication capabilities of Magic Cap. The company is one of the most prolific Magic Cap developers with six applications currently shipping -- Spell Finder, OAG FlightLine, Berlitz Speaking Translator, Magic Bag Game Pack, and PC Financial Network's Magic Broker (sm).
"Our team has been involved with Magic Cap since the product's early stages of development. We have gained considerable expertise in this platform to produce efficient, easy-to-use applications," said Paul Linhardt, manager, General Magic Development Team.
"The user interface is the most interesting part of Magic Cap. It offers a rich environment that allows us to leverage existing development work," continued Linhardt. "We discovered that there was a lot of value we could add to a product or service by tightly integrating it to the Magic Cap platform."
Application:
SpellFinder instantly checks for misspellings in any Magic Cap application. Words or terms unique to a business can easily be added to the dictionary. This simple-to-use, 100,000-word spelling check system can also be used to support word games like Scrabble and Hangman.
OAG FlightLine provides travelers with North American airline flight schedules and pricing information directly from Magic Cap personal communicators.
Berlitz Speaking Translator helps people communicate around the world. It contains two hours of audio with 640 phrases pertinent to a traveler's typical needs. By simply touching a button on the Magic Cap communicator, a user hears native speakers in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, and Japanese.
Magic Bag Game Pack includes an assortment of games and accessories for entertainment and amusement. In addition to six games from Sony NTI, it includes an assortment of public domain games.
PC Financial Network's Magic Broker offers the services of America's largest on-line brokerage to Magic Cap communicators for portfolio management, real-time quotes, and safe, fast and convenient stock and option trades.
Benefits:
- SpellFinder is the essential tool that allows users to check the spelling of any text created on a Magic Cap communicator.
- OAG Flightline allows travelers with Magic Cap communicators to instantly get the latest North American airline schedules -- especially convenient for last minute plans when flights are canceled or missed.
- The Berlitz Speaking Translator used on a Magic Cap communicator means increased effectiveness for any traveler. And the people the user meets while traveling abroad will certainly appreciate efforts made to speak their language.
- With the Magic Bag Game Pack, a Magic Cap communicator can be as entertaining a companion as it is an efficient assistant. The games provide light relief for busy professionals.
- With Magic Broker, investors gain control over their investments and safely and easily trade stocks and options at discount rates in complete privacy anytime, anywhere.
For more information:
Phyllis Brown
Sony New Technologies, Inc.
(408) 642-6400