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Bringing Blogs to Life, Userplane Unveils Free AV Blogger Service -- Empowers Users to Create, Post Audio/Visual Messages Online

Posted on: Monday, 13 December 2004, 09:00 CST

Service Enhances Quality of Online Communication, Increasing Blogs' Value

Userplane, a pioneer in developing innovative Web applications, today introduced the Userplane AV Blogger, a free service that enables virtually anyone to create audio/visual recorded messages for use in blogs, websites and email easily and effectively.

Powered by Userplane Web Recorder(TM) 1.5, the AV Blogger service automatically detects the presence of a webcam and microphone, making it easy for even non-technical users to create recordings of up to 10 minutes in length. The service displays a side-by-side record and playback interface, allowing users to compare old and new recordings. Each recording is streamed from Userplane servers, and can be copy-and-pasted into any web page.

Userplane's AV Blogger currently is in beta test and is available free of charge. Users can visit the Userplane AV Blogger website at avblog.userplane.com to set up a free account and begin recording audio and video blogs. The service integrates will all public blogging services including MovableType and Blogger.com.

"We're literally putting a face on all forms of online communication, enabling bloggers to create the most personal, realistic message possible -- a recording of themselves that people can see and hear," said Michael Jones, president of Userplane. "The potential applications are limitless. Bloggers can move beyond text and bring their blogs to life, creating reader loyalty and driving traffic. As blogs become an increasingly real-time, realistic and intimate form of online communication, their presence and use will change the way we use the Internet.

"All websites that facilitate communication among their members are constantly looking for innovative ways to enhance the online experience," Jones said. "Our AV Blogger gives them that. It lets them rise above text and photos, elevating the online communication capabilities that they offer their users to the next level. It's another way to set themselves apart from the crowd."

Powered by Userplane Web Recorder

Part of Userplane's Community Suite, Userplane Web Recorder 1.5 provides Flash-based recording and playback capabilities to an array of business segments. Using browser-based video and audio message recording, it works seamlessly on any website, requires no special plug-ins besides the ubiquitous Macromedia Flash, instantly recognizes any webcam without the need for tricky configuration, provides full compatibility with modem and broadband connections and has an easily customizable interface.

Audio/video message capabilities add value to industry segments like online dating and social networking websites where users can create their own AV profiles; music sites where artists can share songs with their fans, increasing site loyalty and enhancing the fan experience; Web-based email applications for sending and receiving AV mail; and online classifieds, where a full AV demonstration of items can enhance sales. AV message capabilities can enhance any website environment and various forms of communication between companies and their audiences -- delivering sales pitches, personal messages, advertising promotions and product showcases in a familiar format that captures the senses.

Using Flash Communication as its server application, Userplane Web Recorder 1.5 can be deployed to allow full review and confirmation of all audio/video messages, to ensure that user-developed content meets site standards. In addition, Userplane offers fully managed Flash Communication Server Hosting for this application. Other features include auto-detection of camera and microphone, simple integration with current website and user database, and side-by-side record and playback interfaces to compare old and new recordings.

Like Userplane's other tools in its Community Suite -- Userplane Instant Communicator and Userplane Web Chat -- Userplane Web Recorder 1.5 allows full website administrative control, integration via XML with a (members-based) website's user database, and customization for each deployment to match the business model and branding of the site.

About Userplane

Based in Los Angeles, Userplane is the premier provider of enterprise social software for online communities. Userplane Apps are elegant, easy to use, and rapidly deployed Web-based applications. Leveraging Macromedia Flash, the Apps are lightweight, cross-platform with no user installation, and customizable for a site's specific needs. Userplane Apps are deployed internationally on sites ranging from online communities to intranets. The application suite reaches tens of millions of users and supports more than three million live conversations a month in twelve countries. Userplane continues to provide forward-thinking Web and software development for industry-leading clients including Red Bull, Honda and 1-800 Flowers.

Note to editors: High-resolution Web or print Userplane Application screenshots are available at http://www.userplane.com/partner/press.cfm.

Source: Business Wire

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