General Motors' Mobile Digital Media Player Offers Customers an Industry-Leading Entertainment VehicleLOS ANGELES, May 12 /PRNewswire/ -- PhatNoise, an innovator in bringing digital media to the automobile, today announced industry-leading partnerships with Nickelodeon Networks, the number-one entertainment brand for kids, and video games publisher Capcom. The new partners will provide favorite television programming and classic video games, respectively, as part of General Motors' new segment-exclusive Mobile Digital Media Player, powered by PhatNoise.The new digital multimedia system, with on-board content from Nickelodeon, Noggin and Nicktoons networks, Capcom and other leading content providers, is launching now in Chevrolet's 2005 Uplander, and later this year in crossover sport vehicles from GM brands Saturn, Buick and Pontiac. "We are excited to work with a leading-edge technology company and these top-tier entertainment companies to make access to the world of digital family entertainment in the car a reality," said Craig Scruggs, Marketing Manager for the Chevy Uplander. "We are very happy to offer PhatNoise -- such an innovative technology -- to our customers." GM's Mobile Digital Media Player, powered by PhatNoise, includes a 40GB hard drive, which will come pre-loaded with premium content packages from the company's new partners. New owners will enjoy a two-hour sample package of popular Nickelodeon television shows such as SpongeBob SquarePants and The Fairly OddParents, 64 Zoo Lane and Oobi from Noggin, and Corneil & Bernie from Nicktoons, and a separate package of classic arcade games from Capcom. Music tracks from current PhatNoise partners eMusic and EMI Recorded Music, as well as spoken word content from Audible.com, will also be included free with the system. Multiple packages of additional games or additional television content are stored securely on the system, so consumers can purchase, unlock and enjoy more programming at their convenience. Priced at $19.95 each, the additional, packages from each of the new partners are easily accessed using the included PhatNoise software. "PhatNoise and its partners have also created a first-of-its kind approach to distributing new shows and games to consumers," said Sharon Graves, President and CEO of PhatNoise. "One simple payment transaction on the home PC, and this additional content is unlocked instantly. No downloading or subscription needed." "Nickelodeon is excited to lend its networks' programming to innovative technology such as this new system from PhatNoise," commented Stephen Youngwood, Senior Vice President, Nickelodeon and Viacom Entertainment Products. "We aim to provide kids an opportunity to connect with their favorite Nickelodeon, Noggin and Nicktoons characters wherever they may be. This partnership with General Motors and PhatNoise allows us to do just that." "Capcom Entertainment is pleased to work with GM and PhatNoise to distribute our classic gaming content through a unique in-vehicle entertainment system that expands our audience reach to family members of all ages," said Hiroshi Tobisawa, president, Capcom Entertainment. Pricing and Availability The new PhatNoise system is standard equipment on the new 2005 Chevrolet Uplander LT Entertainer model which is priced at $29,455. Pricing for 2006 models will be announced at a later date. About PhatNoise PhatNoise Inc. is a leading innovator in the drive to create seamless automotive access to the digital world. The company's advanced platforms and software for digital media offer complete solutions for introducing digital content into the automobile to enhance the consumer entertainment experience. PhatNoise creates products and technology for license and distribution by leading partners in the automotive and consumer electronics industries including Kenwood, Volkswagen and General Motors. For more information on PhatNoise and its technologies and products, visit www.phatnoise.com. About General Motors General Motors Corp. (NYSE:GM) , the world's largest automaker, has been the global industry sales leader since 1931. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 321,000 people around the world. It has manufacturing operations in 32 countries and its vehicles are sold in 200 countries. In 2004, GM sold nearly 9 million cars and trucks globally, up 4 percent and the second-highest total in the company's history. GM's global headquarters are at the GM Renaissance Center in Detroit. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com. About Nickelodeon Networks Nickelodeon, now in its 26th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 89 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for more than nine consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom International Inc. NOGGIN is the commercial-free, educational network for preschoolers owned by Nickelodeon. NOGGIN currently reaches 43 million households via cable, digital cable and satellite tv. NOGGIN, which airs from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (ET), is like preschool on tv, with educational programming both on-air and online. NOGGIN and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom International Inc. Nicktoons' 24-hour schedule features a roster of hits that have defined kids' and animation lovers' TV for more than 10 years. Nicktoons showcases a wide variety of favorites from Nickelodeon's vast library of more than 2,200 hours of animated programming, offering fans an ongoing marathon of Nicktoon classics such as Doug, Rugrats, Invader Zim and Ahhh! Real Monsters, mixed with current favorites including SpongeBob SquarePants, The Fairly OddParents, The Wild Thornberrys and As Told by Ginger as well cutting edge properties from around the world such as Corneil & Bernie and Kaput & Zosky. Nicktoons, and all related titles and logos are property of Viacom, Inc. Capcom is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment. Founded in 1983, the company has created world renowned franchises including Resident Evil, Street Fighter, Mega Man, Breath of Fire, Devil May Cry and the Onimusha series. Headquartered in Osaka, Japan, the company maintains operations in the U.S., United Kingdom, Germany, Tokyo and Hong Kong. More information about Capcom and its products can be found on the company's web site at www.capcom.com. Capcom, Mega Man, Resident Evil, Onimusha, Devil May Cry and Breath of Fire are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Capcom Co., Ltd., in the U.S. or other countries. Street Fighter is a registered trademark of Capcom U.S.A., Inc. "PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All rights reserved. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. Source: PhatNoise Inc. |