Portable Planet

Microsoft Corp. today announced the launch of ZenZui, an independent company with the mission of transforming the way people engage, consume and interact with Web content through a revolutionary mobile user experience and information ecosystem. ZenZuis Zooming User Interface, a patented Microsoft technology, was initially developed by the Microsoft Redmond Research lab. Microsoft IP Ventures helps startups and growing companies speed their time to market through access to Microsofts innovation. ZenZui worked with IP Ventures to acquire the technology and prodide assistance in securing venture capital funding to help launch their company.

ZenZui is an exciting proposition for us and demonstrates how Microsoft is turning intellectual property into valuable business opportunities, said Danl Lewin, corporate vice president of Strategic and Emerging Business Development at Microsoft. Our IP Ventures program opens the door for entrepreneurs to have access to the work of world-class research teams. Ultimately, this access allows them to rapidly bring new products to market based on those technologies.

ZenZuis core technology brings advanced information visualization techniques out of the research lab and onto mobile phones and into the hands of mobile device operators, marketers and consumers. ZenZuis high-frame rate zooming user interface employs up to 36 individual Tiles that are selected and customized by the user to reflect their interests and lifestyle with relevant content, interactive communications and fresh data. From the connected communities of social networks and the immediacy of pop culture to the have-to-know sports and weather info, this modular tile interface lets users sync, surf, and share digital content quickly, easily, and in a distinctly new way.

This innovative technology developed with the help of Microsoft Research has provided a strong foundation from which ZenZui has developed a unique user experience, said Eric Hertz, chief executive officer of ZenZui. ZenZuis compelling platform is already creating excitement among carriers, content providers, interactive agencies and major marketers.

Companies onboard for the initial trial include Kayak.com, OTOlabs, Avenue A | Razorfish and Traffic.com Inc. Representatives’ comments include the following:

* “OTOlabs develops and deploys products that put our clients’ brands,
like Fox Family Guy, where today’s audience lives. ZenZui provides a
powerful and unique platform to accomplish that in the mobile space,”
said Chris Heitmann, executive vice president and general manager for
OTOlabs.

* Avenue A | Razorfish has brought three of its clients to the alpha
phase. “ZenZui’s platform is perhaps the first mobile interface to truly
leverage unique aspects of mobile devices,” said Bruce Woolsey, vice
president of Advanced Media Solutions. “And it’s all wrapped up in a
gorgeous interface that’s completely intuitive to use. This kind of
solution has been sorely missing from the mobile marketing world. We
look forward to continuing to experiment with the technology and
developing smart, effective ways for our clients to leverage it.”

* “We are excited about the combination of ZenZui technology and our
nationwide real-time traffic services to provide another mobile delivery
channel for our content,” said Christopher Rothey, chief operating
officer of Traffic.com. “Commuters demand the immediacy of on-the-go
traffic content personalized for the roads they drive every day. This
hyper-localized content platform allows us to engage our users multiple
times per day, and the rich visual capabilities offered by ZenZui
enhance users’ dynamic interaction with the traffic news crucial to
their daily lives.”

Source: Microsoft