Kirusa Introduces Multimodal Messaging with the Kirusa Voice SMS Application

Unique Next Generation Messaging Application Blends Voice and SMS to create a compelling, revenue generating, multimodal application for mobile service providers

Edison, NJ – September 7, 2004:  Kirusa, the world’s leading provider of multimodal solutions, today announced the availability of the wireless industry’s first multimodal messaging application for mobile users. Kirusa Voice SMS (KV.SMS(SM)) application allows mobile users to reply to SMS text messages by voice, to send an SMS message by voice, and to receive SMS messages with voice content, on all mobile devices, and on all wireless networks, greatly enhancing the reach of SMS messaging to a wider population of mobile users.

The patent pending Kirusa Voice SMS application is a packaged application built and marketed by Kirusa. The application works on top of the Kirusa Multimodal Platform (KMP), and leverages the multimodal technology of KMP.

The KV.SMS(SM) application is targeted at wireless operators, enabling them to launch easy to use, next generation messaging services quickly and cost effectively without needing to upgrade or replace their current infrastructure. Kirusa’s patent pending Click2ListenSM technology, and a simple user interface, designed by and in conjunction with ergonomists, brings captivating features such as RingFreeSM voice messaging, voice reply to text messaging, text reply to voice messaging, and MMS integration to all mobile users. The application works on all 2G, 2.5G, and 3G handsets, leverages the extra functionality of the smart handsets, and does not require any client software to be installed on handsets.

Imagine the following scenarios: (a) Bob, a teenager, sends a text message to his mother, Mary. Mary reads the message, but she is shy of triple tapping, and does not respond. With the KV.SMS(SM) application, she will be able to click on her son’s message, and speak her reply. Bob gets an SMS, listens to his mom’s message, and can respond by text; (b) John is driving, and needs to send a message to his colleagues who are spread across different time zones. Sending a text message while driving can be dangerous, and perhaps illegal. With the KV.SMS(SM) application, he clicks on his phone, speaks his message, and has the message delivered by SMS to his colleagues. His colleagues then have the option to reply by text or voice.

KV.SMS(SM) is a sticky differentiating service that dramatically increases both SMS and voice traffic, enhancing the operators’ revenue and customer retention.

“Kirusa’s Voice SMS application is easy to use, integrates seamlessly into how mobile subscribers use their phones, requires little or no learning curve, and works with existing wireless infrastructure, and therein lies its appeal”, said Eric Dufresne, CEO of France Telecom Research and Development, Boston. "The application provides additional revenue opportunity from users of mobile phones as well as the new fixed line SMS phones that are becoming popular in France".

"One reason for the popularity of email is that you can convey a message whenever you want and the recipient can review the message whenever they want," noted Bill Meisel, president of TMA Associates and publisher of Telephone Strategy News. "A telephone call is more disruptive and usually involves extra dialog. SMS messaging has the advantages of asynchronous communication, like email, but with a huge disadvantage for those who don't want to type on a touchtone pad or have a long message to convey. Kirusa's innovative Voice SMS solution makes the advantages of email-like communication on a wireless phone available to all, and should cause a spectacular increase in the usage of the already popular SMS feature."

“The KV.SMS(SM) application shows the potential of multimodal interfaces to drive adoption and revenue from mobile applications”, says Inderpal Singh Mumick, CEO and Founder of Kirusa. “Mobile users told us that they like SMS, but they, or their friends, do not like to type the messages, and they do not like the length restrictions of SMS. Now they don’t have to live with these limitations. “

Operators interested in trialing or deploying the KV.SMS(SM) solution should contact Kirusa at www.kirusa.com/kvsms, or send email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Kirusa will be demonstrating the application at the Speechtek conference in New York, Sep 13-16, 2004. 

About Kirusa

Kirusa is one of the leading global developers of Mobile Social Media and Value Added Services enabling mobile subscribers to reach out to their family and friends. Kirusa’s solutions include the hugely successful Kirusa Voice SMS service, the world’s most advanced Voice SMS solution, used by over 30 carriers around the world. Kirusa has pioneered a suite of social media applications that facilitate mobile subscribers to interact through voice, including the Call-n-Tweet application which helps users update their Twitter status using voice. Kirusa provides an open platform with APIs to enable third parties to offer mobile applications services to mobile subscribers. Used by mobile subscribers millions of times daily, Kirusa solutions are built on its patented and patent pending technology and its highly reliable and scalable open multimodal platform. Kirusa has been recognized as one of top 100 technology companies by Silicon India, and one of top 25 emerging technology companies by Smart Techie magazine. Headquartered in New Jersey and led by an experienced team of wireless telecom executives and technologists, Kirusa has offices in three continents. ‘Kirusa Voice SMS,’ is a trademark of Kirusa, Inc.

For more information visit: www.kirusa.com.

Media Contacts

Kirusa
Navneet Anand
GreyMatters Communications
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