14 DAY TRIAL // Zumobi is a project that builds on the concept of natural user interfaces. The Zooming User Interface is developed by a start-up, formed mainly by former Microsoft employees, on top of technology licensed from the Redmond company. Initially, the project was dubbed ZenZui, but the name evolved in Zumobi at the end of 2007. On January 22, 2008, Zumobi announced that it was taking its partnership with Microsoft to the next level. In this regard, the Zooming User Interface and mobile widget platform will be distributed by the Redmond company together with the Windows Mobile operating system.
"Currently shipping on devices from more than 48 device makers with 125 mobile operators in 55 countries, Windows Mobile is one of the most accessible and familiar mobile computing platforms. This strategic partnership benefits all of our constituencies - consumers, developers, content providers, carriers and advertisers - and enables us to continue building momentum quickly with our audience of techno-culturists and mobile business users," said Eric Hertz, CEO of Zumobi.
The promise that comes with Zumobi is that mobile device users will stop surfing and start zooming. Essentially, Zumobi permits users to navigate the Internet though zooming in and out of tiles. Undoubtedly, Zumobi delivers a new and more natural approach to Internet navigation and content accessing on a mobile phone. At this point in time, Zumobi comes with support for Windows Mobile 5 and above.
"Zumobi originated in our IP Ventures program as the work of a world-class research team, and demonstrates how Microsoft works with innovative independent companies to provide people with some of the best sets of services and applications available. Zumobi is a strong complement to Windows Mobile in that both it and Microsoft offer our customers innovative yet easy ways to access all their information while they're on the go -making their phone the best companion for their entire life," added John O'Rourke, General Manager, Mobile Communications Business at Microsoft.