Launch of Geo Socialization product uChat

RNS Number : 2161Y

Synchronica PLC

28 February 2012

 



Synchronica plc

Synchronica Boosts New Geo Socialization Segment with uChat

Highlights:

·     First Geo Socialization product, Synchronica uChat, blends messaging and location functionality to extend the user's social circle by delivering dynamic, one-to-one or group chat, based on current location or nearby points of interest

·     uChat's Geo Socialization services provide mobile operators and device manufacturers with a revenue-generating, loyalty-enhancing, alternative to the growing threat from 'Over the Top'(OTT) services

·     Follow @SynchronicaPLC for live Synchronica updates from Mobile World Congress

·     Demo available at Mobile World Congress, Barcelona, Hall 2, Stand 2A37

Hall 2, Stand 2A37 - Mobile World Congress, Barcelona: February 28, 2012. - Synchronica plc, the global innovator in mobile messaging solutions, has entered the new Geo Socialization segment with uChat.  Designed to enable new, real-time user experiences while on the move, uChat blends messaging and location functionality and extends the user's social circle by delivering dynamic, one-to-one or group chat based on current location or nearby points of interest. 

Geo Socialization was cited by Frost & Sullivan as "the next trend in social networking" in its Top 20 Mega Trends report ¹. Geo Socialization lets mobile users connect, interact and coordinate with their immediate surroundings - people, places and events - while on the move.

Incorporated into uChat, part of Synchronica's Unity family of advanced messaging solutions, the Geo Socialization chat functionality enhances the existing messaging experience and can be used to attract new users and increase usage rates. It is available now as a white-label solution to mobile operators and device manufacturers.

uChat's Geo Socialization services allows mobile subscribers to see who and what's near them and to build new connections beyond their existing social circle. Subscribers opt in to Geo Socialization services with their service provider and, using the chat functionality in uChat [Geo Socialization], are able to get involved in one-to-one or group chats based on their current location and specific interests.

Users will see a dynamic list of 'walls' on their screens of opportunities near them for socializing via their mobile device. The chats take place in public message groups and users can choose to remain anonymous or share limited information about themselves with others.  

Examples include:

·     Common Interests: Joining and participating in point of interest (POI) chat rooms (e.g. at a coffee shop, book store, restaurant or cultural landmark);

·     Group Fan Chats: Initiating, or participating in, a group chat at a music concert, sports event or any other type of event attended by large groups of enthusiasts;

·     Professional Networking: Participating in a discussion at a conference, trade event or other professional association event.

¹ February 2011

Kim Hartlev, CTO, Synchronica, said: "By adding Geo Socialization functionality into our Unity range of advanced messaging solutions we are giving mobile operators and device manufacturers the opportunity to offer subscribers a new and compelling social networking experience on the move. This not only helps to combat the threat from emerging OTT players such as WhatsApp but also helps to reduce churn and increase ARPU.  We have a range of Geo Socialization solutions in the works, and are already seeing interest from customers throughout the world for these types of services."

Two potential, specific use cases are outlined below.

Small business owner:

A sandwich truck owner uses Synchronica's uChat GeoSocialization technology to increase her sandwich sales as she does her daily rounds. As she arrives at each location, she logs into uChat and broadcasts to everyone near her that she is there and ready to take orders.  She also starts broadcasting her impending departure. Her walk-up traffic increases significantly and revenues from her regular customers increase too, because they know exactly when she is in the vicinity and for how long.

Sports fan:

A soccer fan joins the POI group at the soccer stadium so he can chat with other spectators during the match.  The additional fan interaction improves his experience: he is able to interact with other spectators closer to the action, who can confirm whether the referee's call was a good one or not; and he can chat with other fans in real time about goals, penalties and who should be awarded Player of the Match.

Geo Socialization services will provide mobile operators and device manufacturers with a revenue-generating, loyalty-enhancing, alternative to the growing threat from OTT messaging services such as WhatsApp. Synchronica expects uChat's Geo Socialization services to be relevant to both developed and emerging economies.

Future Geo Socialization functionality from Synchronica will be based around a completely new, highly social, user experience that will be decoupled from IMPS and will not rely on existing social networks.

About Synchronica

Synchronica plc is a global innovator in next-generation mobile messaging technologies. Its flagship product, Unity, has been chosen by more than 100 of the world's leading mobile operators and OEMs to power their own-branded push email, instant messaging, and social networking  services.

With leading features such as Unified Messaging, Geo Socialization and RCS as a Service, Unity connects to any mobile device - from the most basic mobile phone, to high-end tablets - providing customers with a strong foundation on which to achieve market differentiation, diversified revenue streams, and reduced churn.

Headquartered in the United Kingdom, Synchronica maintains global research and development centres in Canada, Germany, India and the Philippines. Synchronica's shares trade on the London Stock Exchange AIM market (SYNC) and the Venture Exchange of the Toronto Stock Exchange (SYN).  

For more information please visit www.synchronica.com or follow Synchronica on Twitter: @SynchronicaPLC.  

For trade media and analyst enquiries, please contact:

Bumblebee PR [phone]

Public Relations Advisor to Synchronica plc

Lindsey Lee [e-mail]

For Synchronica investor relations enquiries, please contact:

Walbrook PR Ltd [phone]	Investor Enquiries, UK	Paul Cornelius [e-mail]
TMX Equicom [phone] Ext 290	Investor Enquires, North America	Craig MacPhail [e-mail]

For Synchronica corporate information, please contact:

Synchronica plc [phone]	Chief Executive Officer	Angus Dent
Northland Capital Partners [phone]	Nominated Advisor Corporate Broker	Shane Gallwey; Rod Venables Katie Shelton
Walbrook PR Ltd [phone]	Media and Analyst Enquiries, UK	Paul Cornelius [e-mail]
TMX Equicom [phone] Ext 290	Media and Analyst Enquiries, North America	Craig MacPhail [e-mail]

Cautionary Statements

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

The foregoing information may contain forward-looking statements relating to the future performance of Synchronica. Forward-looking statements, specifically those concerning future performance, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from Synchronica's plans and expectations. These plans, expectations, risks and uncertainties are detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by Synchronica with the TSX Venture Exchange and securities regulators. Synchronica does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

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