Thursday, January 3, 2008

Extends Mobile Phone to Power Next-Generation Dash GPS

TAIPEI, Taiwan--(Business Wire)--OpenMoko and parent company FIC today announced a partnership with
Dash Navigation, Inc. revealing that the Dash Express, the first
Internet-connected GPS device for the consumer market, runs on the Neo
mobile hardware and software platform. The partnership with Dash to
build the Express device marks OpenMoko's first foray into the GPS
market, and represents commercial validation of the company's mobile
platform vision. The Dash Express is now available for pre-order
directly from Dash Navigation.

   On the heels of the successful launch of the Neo 1973, the world's
first totally open FOSS mobile platform, the innovative Dash Express
breaks ground as the first consumer electronics device based on the
OpenMoko GTA0X reference design. Dash Express features applications
developed by Dash Navigation and uses the OpenMoko kernel and
bootloader. The GPS hardware was jointly designed to Dash's
specifications by OpenMoko and FIC Mobility, who will manufacture the
device.

   "We always saw the Neo 1973 as more than a mobile phone; it's the
harbinger of the coming generation of open mobile devices aimed at the
Web2.0 social networking market," said Sean Moss-Pultz, CEO of
OpenMoko. "We knew if we could free the phone, others would
springboard from that and build revolutionary products. Dash seized
the opportunity, improved the Neo hardware and OpenMoko Linux
platform, and built a revolutionary product that will disrupt the
mobile GPS market."

   Dash marks a new kind of ODM relationship that enables companies
to more easily create consumer products based on open hardware
specifications and GPL licensing. OpenMoko officials predict this will
enable more derivations of the Neo platform to enter the commercial
market.

   "Dash's support of open standards allows consumers to get the
content they want into their cars," said Rob Currie, president and
COO, Dash Navigation. "OpenMoko and FIC are technology leaders that
have been great partners for us, and they continue to be important
contributors to the development of diverse and accessible consumer
mobile applications."

   The Dash Express is now available for pre-order at the company's
website ( www.dash.net). The device is priced at $599.99 and
includes three free months of Dash Service(1). The Dash Express will
begin shipping in mid-to-late February directly from www.dash.net
followed by broader retail distribution in Q2 2008.

   OpenMoko and Dash will be featured at the press-only innovator
showcase during CES, Lunch @ Piero's. The next generation of the Neo
hardware platform will be announced shortly.

   About Dash

   Dash Navigation connects people to the information that empowers
them in their cars. The company's first product, the Dash Express(TM),
is the first personal navigation system with two-way, Internet
connectivity. It's the smartest way to get from A to B -- and get
information about everything in between. Dash is located in Sunnyvale,
Calif. and is funded by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Sequoia
Capital, Skymoon Ventures, Crescendo Ventures, Artis Capital and
ZenShin Capital Partners. For more information visit Dash Navigation
at www.dash.net.

   About FIC

   Founded in 1980, First International Computer, Inc (FIC) is a
world leader in the design and production of computer motherboards,
graphics cards, PC systems, notebooks, mobile solutions, and other
electronic devices. Publicly listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TSE
3701), FIC has a workforce of over 5000 employees spread amongst six
supplier hubs, ten manufacturing/assembly sites and seven branch
offices.

   As an OEM/ODM supplier to many of the leading brands in North
America, Asia, and Europe, FIC has established itself as a pioneer of
innovative products, supplying engineering expertise, advanced R&D,
and logistical services throughout the world.

   For the latest information on FIC products and services visit
www.fic.com.tw.

   About OpenMoko

   OpenMoko is the commercial and community driven effort with a
mission to create an open platform that empowers developers and
consumers to customize their mobile devices, much like a computer, in
any way they see fit. OpenMoko is dedicated to helping innovators
bring the freedom and flexibility of Web2.0 to consumer electronics
and vertical market devices.

   For the latest information on OpenMoko visit www.openmoko.com.

   (1)Note: Dash Product and Dash Service subscription sold
separately. Other fees and taxes, including a one-time activation fee
to reactivate a deactivated Dash Product, may apply. The Dash Service
and fees are subject to change, at any time as set forth in the Dash
Service Agreement available at www.dash.net. Dash purchasers will
receive one month free Dash Service at initial turn-on and two
additional free months Dash Service after registering at
www.mydash.net.

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