View source for Press release: 1996-09-17: Ark Interface Designs Customized 3D City For Sega Saturn Net Link; Planet Oasis Interface to Provide Sega Users with Direct Internet Access

{{PressRelease|source=[http://www.thefreelibrary.com/ The Free Library]|language=English|subject=online}}


<pre>SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 17, 1996--In an effort to alleviate consumers' intimidation of the Internet, Ark Interface today announced that it has created The Net Link city on Planet Oasis, a customized version of Planet Oasis(TM) exclusively for Sega of America's new Sega Saturn(TM) Net Link, a videogame TV Web device.

The Net Link city, a 3D city interface for the Internet, will provide Sega Saturn Net Link customers with a low-cost, friendly and intuitive entrance to the online world and will allow users to gain access to the Internet without a PC.

The Net Link city on Planet Oasis will automatically launch when users log onto the Internet with Sega Saturn Net Link. Its 3D interface has 20 different neighborhoods to explore. By using PlanetWeb's browsing technology, users can visit 225 of the best places on the Internet with a simple point and click and can have direct access to the World Wide Web.

Planet Oasis gives both novice and savvy Internet users a sense of community by serving as their "homebase." It encourages Sega Saturn Net Link users to explore the World Wide Web while always allowing them to return to Net Link's city at the click of a button. "The partnering of Ark Interface and Sega Saturn Systems' technology is a powerful combination," said Tom O'Rourke, president and CEO of Ark Interface.

"This customized version of Planet Oasis lets Sega of America offer its users an easy-to-use, inviting environment for exploring the World Wide Web. And Ark Interface can leverage Sega's international distribution to reach more than a million homes this year."

"Sega is committed to winning the next generation battle and to do so has developed a strategy which combines original content, powerful third party software and direct Internet access for our users," said Shoichiro Irimajiri, chairmen and CEO of Sega of America.

"Planet Oasis' interactive 3D interface is synergistic and provides the quality and rich content that users have come to expect from Sega. Net Link city on Planet Oasis' customized interface is an ideal solution to provide our users with access to the World Wide Web."

The Net Link city works in conjunction with PlanetWeb, Inc.'s browser, designed specifically for TV display as well as with Excite, which has created custom search directories and indexes for the Sega Saturn Net Link.

The Sega Saturn Net Link system is a 28.8 speed modem on a cartridge that plugs into the Sega Saturn videogame console. Packaged with a phone cord and a CD containing Planet Oasis and PlanetWeb, the suggested retail price is $199.

The Net Link city is a customized version of Planet Oasis, a 3D "Internet city" that allows users to explore the World Wide Web. Web surfers can cruise through the 20-block virtual city using their mouse and clicking on the icon or topic that interests them.

Planet Oasis provides access to both informative and commercial sites including Sega, the Smithsonian, the Youth Hall of Fame International, Gatorade Sports Drink and Specialized Bikes. In addition to accessing Planet Oasis from Sega Saturn Systems, Web surfers may also gain direct access to Planet Oasis from Packard Bell Platinum Series PCs or from the World Wide Web at http://www.planetoasis.com.

Ark Interface, a Seattle-based division of Packard Bell, develops and produces intuitive and easy-to-use 3-D interface technology to explore the World Wide Web. The company designed Planet Oasis to welcome a wide range of computer users to the Internet and to alleviate misperceptions about its complexity.

Ark Interface is the designer of Packard Bell's highly successful Navigator interface, which has shipped to more than 10 million machines in home markets around the world. Ark Interface can be contacted at (206) 654-4180 and also on their web site at http://www.arkspace.com.

CONTACT: Kaufer Miller Communications

Abby Mates, 206/450-9965

abbym@kmcomm.com

OR

Stacey Branom, 206/450-9965

staceyb@kmcomm.com
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