Zipit Wireless Introduces Zipit Wireless Messenger 2

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From the company who pioneered the first Wi-Fi based hand-held instant messaging device, Zipit Wireless, announces it will begin offering Zipit Wireless Messenger 2 (Z2) users the ability to send and receive SMS text messages beginning December 20. The Z2 brings together IM and SMS text messaging into one sleek device giving consumers the ability to communicate to cell phones, other Zipit devices and personal computers while freeing up the family computer without the risk of a surprise phone bill at the end of the month. This is the first and only purely Wi-Fi based device to offer the flexibility of both types of messaging. The new texting option is available at $4.99 per month and includes no overage penalties, no hidden fees, and no service cancellation restrictions – making it the only no-surprises, no-strings-attached texting option on the market. In another industry first, all Z2 users will be able to enjoy the convenience of 10 free messages per month with no contract requirements.

With more than half of the country's teens sending billions of instant messages every day, IM is the number one text-based communication choice for teens, followed by text messaging. The Z2 allows teens to have multiple, concurrent conversations with their friends for free at any Wi-Fi enabled home, at any of the more than 9,000 participating Wi-Fi enabled McDonald's restaurants in the U.S., powered by Wayport, or at any open or free wireless "hotspot." The new text message service will be integrated within Zipit's existing IM friends list where multiple text conversations can be held simultaneously and mixed in with IM conversations. Instead of inbox and sent messages, conversations are managed in sequential order and stored in a single conversation window, just how teens communicate.

Z2's text messaging communicates with more than 20 cellular carriers and supports all major IM platforms used by teens – AOL, Yahoo and MSN. To introduce the new feature, all Z2 users will receive the full text messaging service, up to 3000 messages per month, for free through January 31, 2008. Beginning February 1, 2008, Z2 users will be able to add 3,000 messages per month for $4.99.

The web-accessed parent portal enables parents to manage the amount of time teens can use the Z2, specify the times and days of the week that the Z2 can be used and monitor incoming and outgoing text messages. This technology provides parents with an added layer of security and comfort that complements the safety features inherent to the Z2 design – such as protecting users from well-known Internet hazards that include spam, viruses and access to inappropriate Web sites.

The Z2 also includes a fully capable music player called MyTunez that provides instant access to music collections stored on an optional mini-SD card or streamed from the Internet. Teens can also view photos and slideshows with the built-in MyPhotoz feature.

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