June 2009
Getfugu, the next generation mobile search tool, has entered into a strategic partnership with Interpublic's (IPG) Emerging Media Lab, a leading center for consumer research, to give the Lab's popular brands and agency partners exclusive, first-mover rights to Getfugu's technology.
IPG's Emerging Media Lab, a Los Angeles-based facility that keeps top brands ahead of the latest tech trends that are shaping consumer behavior, will give its clients and agencies the first opportunity to scout Getfugu's mobile technology by conducting a series of focus groups, testing the products and compiling reviews of Getfugu's applications.
The research will give Getfugu real life feedback and puts the tools in front of premier advertiser brands to support the company's launch this fall. Getfugu is in consideration to be part of Greenhaus, the Mediabrands program launched in April.
Getfugu's new mobile search tool enables consumers to experience the Internet on cellular phones in an entirely new way by offering four unique services including: See It, vision recognition (ARL); Say It, voice recognition (VRL); Find It, location recognition (GRL); and Get It, Hot-Spotting
"We are thrilled to be working with Interpublic's Emerging Media Lab, a renowned, reputable and forward-thinking consumer brand testing facility," said Bernard Stolar, CEO of Getfugu, and former Game Evangelist at Google.
"This partnership exemplifies Getfugu's goal to deliver the best, and quality assured, mobile search tool when we launch this fall. The Lab's top brands will now have access to the hottest mobile technology at a real life, interactive facility and we are looking forward to the feedback on the product and its unique tools."
"Getfugu's mobile search technology will add a dynamic and unique asset to our Mobile Immersion Center here at the Lab. Getfugu brings the consumer experience and valuable technology that enables purchasing goods and services on a mobile device into an environment that will give our agencies and their brands premium access to this innovative technology. It gives us the opportunity to work with an outstanding platform supported by an actionable business model," said Jorge Chediak, VP, Director of Planning & Development, IPG Emerging Media Lab.
The Emerging Media Lab works with the world's leading advertising agencies and marketing services companies, including Initiative, Universal McCann, DraftFCB, GolinHarris International and Weber Shandwick. IPG's Emerging Media Lab is a technology think tank, which has helped over 4,000 marketers drive successful digital initiatives for today's hottest trends and technologies. Since its launch in 2006, the IPG Emerging Media Lab has educated marketers within the IPG family and beyond.
In recent months, Getfugu, under the leadership and vision of CEO Bernard Stolar, has been assembling a roster of esteemed talent for its executive management and its board. Since joining Getfugu, Stolar, who is former Game Evangelist at Google, has appointed Internet search pioneer and Ask Jeeves (Ask.com) founder David Warthen as the company's CTO. Additionally, Stolar has also named Beth Doherty as Vice President of Network Sales, bringing in more than 20 years of experience in the high tech and entertainment software industries with senior positions at companies including THQ Wireless, Acclaim Entertainment and Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA).
Recently, Getfugu added entertainment industry veteran and Telepictures Corporation founder Michael Jay Solomon to its Board of Directors. Michael Jay Solomon is an entertainment industry veteran and past President of Lorimar Telepictures and Warner Bros. International Television. Solomon was credited as being the creator of television syndication and brings years of international experience at marketing and content distribution to the company. Mr. Solomon is currently a principal of Shanghai Media Group Broadband (SMGBB) which streams Chinese language broadcast networks from China onto the Internet; Solomon has an exclusive contract with Shanghai Media Group for the next ten years. Thus far, twenty channels have been launched in China and nine outside of China. Getfugu anticipates a nationwide/worldwide launch in Fall 2009.
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