9/7/2004 6:31:00 AM
Innovative wearable computer and see-through display
system for productivity and service quality among
automotive industry’s best for 2004
BOTHELL, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sept. 7, 2004–
Microvision, Inc. (Nasdaq:MVIS), a leader in light scanning
technologies, announced today that the Nomad Expert Technician System
has been named a Top 20 Tool by the leading automotive aftermarket
publication, Motor Magazine. The announcement is featured in their
September 2004 issue.
The editors of Motor Magazine, which reaches over 144,000
individual and associations directly tied to the automotive repair and
service industry, annually select the 20 best pieces of
newly-introduced shop equipment from hundreds of entries. John Lypen,
Motor Magazine editor, stated on behalf of the editorial review
committee, “The message is simple: We’re looking for tools that are
truly new and innovative. We’re looking for tools that make us say,
‘Wow! We’ve never seen anything like this before’. The Nomad Expert
Technician System was selected for originality, and for its ability to
help technicians diagnose and repair vehicles quickly and correctly,
the first time. Innovative products like the Nomad Expert Technician
System are essential so that automotive technicians can more easily
manage the complexity of today’s technologically advanced vehicles. We
offer special congratulations to Microvision and each of this year’s
winners.”
The Nomad Expert Technician System is designed to help service
technicians and dealerships improve efficiency and customer
satisfaction while increasing profitability. Priced about the same as
a laptop computer, the Nomad is the world’s first wearable, wireless
computer to feature a unique head-worn, see-through display that
allows technicians to see relevant information while still focusing on
their workspace. This multi-tasking productivity tool offers
hands-free convenience in the service bay and wireless mobility
throughout the dealership environment. By linking remotely with the
DMS (dealership management system), technicians gain instant access to
electronic repair manuals, work orders, vehicle history, parts
inventory or even e-mail so that they can stop wasting valuable time
searching for data and waiting for printouts and provide faster, more
accurate service.
Weighing only 4.5 oz., the Nomad head-worn Display Module delivers
a high-contrast, high-resolution (SVGA) transparent images overlaid on
the user’s vision. Two comfortable headgear options are available:
mounted under the brim of a baseball cap or integrated into a
headband. The Nomad System features a fully integrated wireless
(802.11b), Win CE-based computer, for simplified connection to an
existing computer terminal or remote server to access web-based
content. The belt-mounted control module is easy to use with input and
navigation via a laptop-style touchpad and or onscreen keypad or
optional external keyboard. The Nomad’s “thin client” architecture
means that there is no software to buy or update.
“Winning a Top 20 Tool award is another strong validation for the
Nomad Expert Technician System from the automotive marketplace,” said
Chris Johnston, Marketing Manager for Nomad Automotive applications,
“and we’re grateful for the recognition. In the last two months we’ve
installed Nomad systems in a variety of independent service centers
and dealerships across the country, and feedback from technicians,
service managers and dealership owners leads us to believe that we
have developed a tool that is as versatile as it is powerful. They
continue to find new ways to use the system — from maintenance and
repairs to service writing and even estimating — in order to
streamline operations and enhance both productivity and service
quality.”
About Microvision: www.microvision.com
Headquartered in Bothell, Wash., Microvision Inc. is the world
leader in the development of high-resolution displays and imaging
systems based on the company’s proprietary silicon micro-mirror
technology. The company’s technology has applications in a broad range
of military, medical, industrial, professional and consumer products.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this release, including future
product applications, product benefits and potential opportunities,
are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and
uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those projected in the company’s forward-looking
statements include the following: our ability to raise additional
capital when needed; market acceptance of our technologies and
products; our financial and technical resources relative to those of
our competitors; our ability to keep up with rapid technological
change; our dependence on the defense industry and a limited number of
government development contracts; government regulation of our
technologies; our ability to enforce our intellectual property rights
and protect our proprietary technologies; the ability to obtain
additional contract awards; the timing of commercial product launches
and delays in product development; the ability to achieve key
technical milestones in key products; dependence on third parties to
develop, manufacture, sell and market our products; potential product
liability claims and other risk factors identified from time to time
in the company’s SEC reports, including the Company’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K filed with the SEC.
CONTACT: Microvision, Inc.
Matt Nichols, 425-415-6657 (Media)
Brian Heagler, 425-415-6794 (Investors)
SOURCE: Microvision, Inc.