Microsoft Corp. today announced the launch of ZenZui, an independent company with the mission of transforming the way people engage, consume and interact with Web content through a revolutionary mobile user experience and information ecosystem. ZenZui’s Zooming User Interface, a patented Microsoft technology, was initially developed by the Microsoft Redmond Research lab. Microsoft IP Ventures helps startups and growing companies speed their time to market through access to Microsoft’s innovation. ZenZui worked with IP Ventures to acquire the technology and prodide assistance in securing venture capital funding to help launch their company.
“ZenZui is an exciting proposition for us and demonstrates how Microsoft is turning intellectual property into valuable business opportunities,” said Dan’l Lewin, corporate vice president of Strategic and Emerging Business Development at Microsoft. “Our IP Ventures program opens the door for entrepreneurs to have access to the work of world-class research teams. Ultimately, this access allows them to rapidly bring new products to market based on those technologies.”
ZenZui’s core technology brings advanced information visualization techniques out of the research lab and onto mobile phones and into the hands of mobile device operators, marketers and consumers. ZenZui’s high-frame rate zooming user interface employs up to 36 individual “Tiles” that are selected and customized by the user to reflect their interests and lifestyle with relevant content, interactive communications and fresh data. From the connected communities of social networks and the immediacy of pop culture to the have-to-know sports and weather info, this modular tile interface lets users sync, surf, and share digital content quickly, easily, and in a distinctly new way.
“This innovative technology developed with the help of Microsoft Research has provided a strong foundation from which ZenZui has developed a unique user experience,” said Eric Hertz, chief executive officer of ZenZui. “ZenZui’s compelling platform is already creating excitement among carriers, content providers, interactive agencies and major marketers.”
Companies onboard for the initial trial include Kayak.com, OTOlabs, Avenue A | Razorfish and Traffic.com Inc.
“ZenZui is an exciting proposition for us and demonstrates how Microsoft is turning intellectual property into valuable business opportunities,” said Dan’l Lewin, corporate vice president of Strategic and Emerging Business Development at Microsoft. “Our IP Ventures program opens the door for entrepreneurs to have access to the work of world-class research teams. Ultimately, this access allows them to rapidly bring new products to market based on those technologies.”
ZenZui’s core technology brings advanced information visualization techniques out of the research lab and onto mobile phones and into the hands of mobile device operators, marketers and consumers. ZenZui’s high-frame rate zooming user interface employs up to 36 individual “Tiles” that are selected and customized by the user to reflect their interests and lifestyle with relevant content, interactive communications and fresh data. From the connected communities of social networks and the immediacy of pop culture to the have-to-know sports and weather info, this modular tile interface lets users sync, surf, and share digital content quickly, easily, and in a distinctly new way.
“This innovative technology developed with the help of Microsoft Research has provided a strong foundation from which ZenZui has developed a unique user experience,” said Eric Hertz, chief executive officer of ZenZui. “ZenZui’s compelling platform is already creating excitement among carriers, content providers, interactive agencies and major marketers.”
Companies onboard for the initial trial include Kayak.com, OTOlabs, Avenue A | Razorfish and Traffic.com Inc.
