Press release: 1999-09-07: Planetweb Turns Sega of America's Dreamcast into Cyberspace Reality

This is an unaltered copy of a press release, for use as a primary source on Sega Retro. Please do not edit the contents below. Language: English Original source: The Free Library

Planetweb Turns Sega of America's Dreamcast into Cyberspace Reality; Consumer Oriented Web Technology Enables Dreamcast Gamers to Surf the Web

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 7, 1999--

Planetweb, Inc(R)., a leading developer of Internet software products and services for consumer electronic devices, today announced the bundling of its browser with Sega(R) of America's new 128-bit, Internet-capable home video game console, Sega Dreamcast(TM), enabling online functionality.

Through Dreamcast, Planetweb is bringing the full education and entertainment capacity of the Internet into the homes of America and to all ages.

Coupled with Planetweb's powerful parental control solution, Sega's Dreamcast becomes the preferred "safer" Internet experience. Planetweb's popular browser, selected by Sega, offers the Internet appliance industry's leading total software solution consisting of: Internet access for consumer electronic device surfing, parental control, e-mail, chat, secure socket layer (SSL) for E-commerce, JavaScript, magnifier and an easy-to-use navigational control.

"Planetweb continues to execute on our vision of Internet enabling consumer electronic devices. As we ship over a half million browsers in the next few months, we continue our market dominance. We're excited to have our browser bundled with the Sega Dreamcast and play a key role in the historic launch of Sega's revolutionary console and network gaming product," said Jan L. Gullett, president and CEO of Planetweb, Inc.

The Sega Dreamcast(TM) launch, set for Sept. 9, 1999, is supported by a $100 million marketing campaign and showcases the abilities of the first Internet-capable gaming console that comes bundled with a 56k modem for a retail price of $199.

"We couldn't be more pleased with our relationship with Planetweb," said Peter Moore, senior vice president, Sega of America. "Their superior technology, matched with Sega Dreamcast, is allowing us to make our dream of creating the world's largest gaming community a reality."

"Our next-generation Planetweb browser for Sega's Dreamcast offers compelling functionality including 56-bit SSL 3.0 compliant encryption, and a JavaScript 1.1 compliant engine," said Ken Soohoo, Planetweb's vice president of product development and CTO.

A recent CNET review says, "There's plenty to like about Planetweb's browser. One particularly nice touch is the magnifying glass feature. Another clever feature is the pop-up command compass, which brings up the main navigational controls with the click of a button...a nice solution."

Sega continues to set new standards in the video game industry with the first video game designed from day one with network capabilities, 18 games available for launch and the most realistic games ever seen.

According to the Interactive Digital Software Association (IDSA), online gaming is expected to surge to 26.8 million users by 2002, with more and more gamers taking a leap to the net for a multi-player experience. In fact, 55.4% of console gamers in an IDSA study stated that the ability to play games with multiple users is very important.

"The Internet has been growing at an incredible rate and needs a reliable rating system to keep up," according to Dr. Arthur Pober, executive director, of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), based in New York. The ESRB is the U.S.'s foremost rating board for all interactive entertainment, with ratings appearing on more than 4,000 products sold in the United States and Canada. "We're committed to providing objective, consistent and accurate ratings information to enable consumers to make informed choices regarding their interactive entertainment," he said.

At launch on Sept. 9, 1999, through the Sega Dreamcast Network, gamers will have access to e-mail, chat, bulletin boards and web browsing. Beginning in 2000, the Sega Dreamcast Network will support full online gaming, with scores of people playing across the country at the same time. SegaSoft Networks, Inc., creators of HEAT.NET (www.heat.net), the largest core online PC gaming community, is utilizing their expertise by providing the technology and infrastructure behind the Sega Dreamcast Network. Sega has selected AT&T WorldNet(R) Services to serve as the preferred ISP for Sega Dreamcast in North America.

Planetweb's suite of products adds Internet functionality to other consumer electronic devices including set-top boxes, DVD players, screen phones, video game consoles, wireless home networking systems, and other platforms, providing consumers an easy and inexpensive way to access the World Wide Web.

The Sega Dreamcast Network

Sega Dreamcast Network users will receive regular updates via e-mail detailing games, hints, cheats and other information to keep them excited about upcoming games. The Sega Dreamcast Network offers access to chat rooms to discuss games, bulletin boards, e-mail, e-commerce capability, online multiplayer games and even "mini" board, puzzle and card games.

About Sega

Sega of America, Inc. is the arm of Tokyo-based Sega Enterprises, Ltd., responsible for the development, marketing and distribution of Sega video game systems and video games in the Americas. Sega Enterprises Ltd., is a nearly $2.5 billion company recognized as the industry leader in interactive digital entertainment media, and is the only company that offers interactive entertainment experiences both inside and outside the home. Sega of America's World Wide Web site is located at www.sega.com.

About Planetweb, Inc.

Founded in 1996, Planetweb, Inc., is a leading developer of Internet software products and services for consumer electronics devices. Planetweb's product suite includes a rich browser, secure socket layer (SSL), JavaScript, portal technology and multimedia Java technology. Already ported to multiple platform categories, including screen phones, video game consoles, video phones, wireless home networking systems, set-top boxes, and embedded reference designs for DTV (digital TV) and DVD, Planetweb(R) software has been shipped to manufacturers globally. Based in Mountain View, Planetweb, a pre-IPO, Internet software company, also has an office in Tokyo. For more information about Planetweb, visit the company's Web site at www.planetweb.com.

Note to Editors: The Planetweb Browser is a registered trademark of Planetweb, Inc.; patented Magnifier (U.S. Patent 5,754,348). All other trade names referenced are the service marks, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
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