“Espial(TM), the leader in Internet appliance solutions, has
joined forces with Internet Appliance Network (IAN), the first
company to combine Internet marketing and e-commerce with
web-enabled devices, to produce the WebPlayer(TM), an innovative
Internet appliance for Virgin Entertainment Group.”
“Launched today, the WebPlayer from Virginconnect is a
flat-screen Internet device that delivers a desktop-equivalent
multimedia browsing experience without a PC. Virgin is distributing
the WebPlayer to a select 10,000 customers who will be able to
listen and securely purchase CDs over the Internet without a home
PC. It is based on Espial Escape(TM) version 4.0 web browser and
Espial Espresso(TM) GUI platform.”
“IAN’s solution of a branded Internet appliance uses Linux,
Java, and core technologies from Espial for a more compelling user
experience. Consumers, however, only see a Virgin-branded browser
interface for content, applications, e-commerce, online
advertising, customer support, and so on. This gives Virgin
continuous exposure while offering consumers a simple alternative
to surfing the Internet.”