PointerWare Announces Easy-to-Use Voice and Video Feature

April 22, 2010 (Toronto, Ontario) – Expanding on its leadership role in providing simple computer and connectivity solutions for seniors, PointerWare Innovations Ltd. today announced the addition of voice and videophone capability to PointerWare™, its popular software for seniors and special needs populations. This addition means seniors are now literally just two clicks away from face-to-face time with children, grandchildren, caregivers and friends. Based on Skype™ technology, PointerWare voice and videophone allows anyone with an Internet connection to make free, unlimited video calls to Skype users or take advantage of Skype’s attractive rates to make voice calls to land and mobile phone lines.

While other videophone solutions exist in today’s marketplace, they tend to be expensive or complicated. Often they require specialized equipment or a level of computer expertise that many older seniors simply don’t possess. PointerWare voice and videophone provides the best of all worlds, combining the ubiquity of the personal computer, the power of Skype and the ease-of-use that defines the PointerWare brand.

“Isolation is the enemy of those who are aging”, says PointerWare co-founder and CEO, Raul Rupsingh. “PointerWare’s mission revolves around communication and using technology to help bring families closer together. The intimacy that comes from face-to-face communication is a significant benefit to PointerWare users. Telephone conversations can’t always convey a clear picture of a senior’s well being. PointerWare videophone gives caregivers a no-hassle way to check in with someone whenever they like and actually see how their loved one is doing.

“Seniors also benefit from being part of everyday family life. Whether it’s virtually sitting down to Sunday family dinner, enjoying a morning chat over coffee or sharing a bedtime story with a grandchild, the uncomplicated nature of PointerWare’s videophone allows seniors to be active participants in family life, regardless of distance or physical or mental ability. We have made voice and video calling so easy that almost anyone can use it with just the touch of a button.”

At the same time, PointerWare is unveiling an online contact management portal that gives caregivers and supporters the ability to interact with PointerWare remotely. Now caregivers can update Skype address books, phone numbers, profile photos and other contact related information on the PointerWare website for the user they are supporting.

Caregivers and supporters can easily download PointerWare at www.PointerWare.com. PointerWare is also distributed through partners FlagHouse Inc., a premier global supplier of physical education, recreation, and special needs products and solutions; and RM Group subsidiary, SpaceKraft Ltd., a leading supplier of resources for special needs individuals, early learners and seniors under the PointerPC and PointerPal brands.

About PointerWare
PointerWare Innovations Ltd., developer of PointerWare, is a specialty software company headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Its founders, Raul Rupsingh and Stephen Beath, were inspired by personal experience with their own families to create PointerWare, an easy to use computer platform that helps seniors get online and stay connected with family and the wider world. Users can read and send email, play brain-fitness games, organize photos, videophone family and friends and browse the Internet.

This innovative technology is also closing the digital divide by providing accessible computing for special populations with Macular Degeneration, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and other physical and mental disabilities.

To learn more about PointerWare, visit www.pointerware.com.
For more information, contact:
PointerWare Innovations Ltd.
Phone: 416-414-8266

Skype, associated trademarks and logos and the “S” symbol are trademarks of Skype Limited.
Usage is subject Skype Limited’s Fair Usage Policy and not intended to replace a regular phone for emergency calls.