"AniMates represents a unique combination of our core competencies in 2D/3D digital design software and carrier-grade mobile messaging, bringing a compelling new experience to the Android market," said William W. Smith, Jr., CEO at Smith Micro. "But what really makes AniMates unique is the content -- we're cultivating a fantastic library of characters and backgrounds from an artist community of thousands who have used our animation software for years. There will be no limit to the creativity and diversity that users will be able to enjoy with AniMates characters."
AniMates was collaboratively developed by engineering teams from Smith Micro's CommSuite® carrier-grade messaging platform and its award-winning Anime Studio® animation software. Key features of AniMates include:
- Sending and receiving talking character messages for free
- Diverse content library offering dozens of characters and backgrounds, with new content added every week
- Ability to use your own photo background from the phone gallery
- Optional voice effects with variable pitch control
- See and manage messages from other AniMates users through an inbox view
- Share messages with anyone via email, SMS or Facebook
- Easily access contacts through the phone address book
- Extend recording time to 2 minutes with premium upgrade
"The problem with messaging apps today is you have to download a dozen of them to communicate with your entire network of friends, family, colleagues, etc., who are all using different apps with varying levels of personalization. We wanted to address that problem in two ways: first, AniMates users can send messages to anyone so your contacts don't have to install the app to view messages; second, AniMates can be bundled into other messaging apps, allowing developers to provide a rich, diverse library of content from their own platforms so users can express themselves wherever and however they like," said Vinay Chandra, Vice President of Product Management at Smith Micro.
"We're incredibly proud to have top-notch digital artists creating AniMates content using our animation products. These are people who design for Disney, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, and major retail brands, and they believe in our vision for AniMates as the ultimate in personalized, fun, easy-to-share mobile messaging," said Steve Yatson, Vice President of Productivity and Graphics Solutions at Smith Micro. "But the key to engaging communities globally is offering localized content, which we will achieve by opening up content creation to digital artists worldwide. Our goal is to harness the talent of millions of users of our animation tools to create a content library that is unequaled in the industry."
Availability
AniMates is available now on the Google Play™ store for mobile users in the U.S. and Canada. The app comes with five free characters and five free backgrounds, with premium content available for purchase. In the coming months, Smith Micro will begin offering content bundles that include theme-based characters and backgrounds.
AniMates for iOS will be available in late July. Smith Micro also plans to expand the app to other countries and languages later this year.
Learn more about AniMates and see sample messages.
About Smith Micro Software, Inc.:
Smith Micro Software provides solutions that simplify, secure and enhance the mobile experience. Our portfolio includes a wide range of applications that manage broadband connectivity, data traffic, devices, voice and video communications over wireless networks. With more than 30 years of experience developing world-class client and server software, Smith Micro helps the leading mobile network operators, device manufacturers and enterprises increase efficiency and capitalize on the growth of mobile-connected consumers and workforces. For more information, visit smithmicro.com. (
Safe Harbor Statement:
This release may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, forward-looking statements relating to the company's financial prospects and projections, the company's ability to increase its business, and the anticipated timing and financial performance of new products. Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are new and changing technologies, customer acceptance of those technologies, fluctuations or cancellations in orders from customers, new and continuing adverse economic conditions, and the company's ability to compete effectively with other software companies. These and other factors discussed in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its filings on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, could cause actual results to differ materially from those presented in any forward-looking statements. Smith Micro assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.
Smith Micro, AniMates and the Smith Micro logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Smith Micro Software, Inc. All other trademarks and product names are the property of their respective companies.
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