LG AX490 Press Release:

Digit Wireless, Inc., (www.digitwireless.com), the innovators of Fastap(TM), a patented new approach to keypad design technology, today announced its first U.S. deployment of Fastap in its alphanumeric format with wireless carrier, Alltel Wireless. This is the first U.S. implementation of a Fastap-enabled handset -- the LG AX490.
Fastap is a new approach to keypad design, which simplifies user discovery, access and the use of mobile phone-based applications including SMS, Instant Messaging, Multimedia Messaging, Web Browsing, mobile music and more. In the specific alphanumeric implementation on the LG AX490, the use of all messaging and mobile data services now becomes quicker and easier to use. Fastap enables the LG AX490 to maintain mainstream phone size and form factor by integrating a raised (alpha keys) and lowered (number) key architecture powered by error prevention software that makes use error and care-free. It is one keypad with two levels of functionality.
"We are very excited to introduce the first U.S. deployment of Fastap with Alltel and LG," said Mark Connon, CEO, Digit Wireless. "Consumers have been waiting for this enhancement to the 50 year-old 12 button keypad, and we are happy that Alltel will be able to showcase Fastap to with its diverse subscriber base, while furthering its reputation of introducing innovative, new products. Fastap's intuitive functionality will give Alltel's subscribers the ability to easily discover, access and use today's advanced mobile data services. The efficiency and ease of use of Fastap has proven to increase usage of everything from SMS and photo messaging to web browsing and more."
"Alltel Wireless provides our customers with the very best in cutting-edge innovations, and we're very excited to team with LG and Digit Wireless to debut the new LG AX490 Fastap phone," said Wade McGill, senior vice president for wireless product management, Alltel Wireless. "The design of the LG AX490 Fastap Phone clearly addresses the growing needs of the wireless consumer with a keypad that allows quicker and easier data entry. The beauty of a Fastap phone is that a mobile user does not have to sacrifice size and form factor to achieve advanced functionality. The LG AX490 is compact and maintains a flip phone form factor making it an ideal phone for everyone. We're delighted to be the first and only U.S. carrier to deploy the LG AX490, and we know our customers will enjoy the phone's functionality and ease of use on America's largest network."
With the Fastap-enabled LG AX490, Alltel Wireless customers will also be able to download the Instant Messaging client from OZ, the company who empowers consumers to stay connected with mobile IM. With Fastap, Instant Messaging truly becomes instant as the easy-to-use Fastap keypad lets the user respond intuitively and quickly to incoming messages. It provides users with an affordable, easy, seamless and always-on mobile messaging experience right to their phones.
With Fastap, Alltel Wireless customers benefit through an acceleration and simplicity of every aspect of the mobile user experience.
Fastap is the one-touch keypad technology that can enable easier discovery, access and use of mobile applications and services through easier text entry and/or enhanced access-control functionality. Fastap in its various implementations (Full Alphanumeric or Press-To-Anything) can drive vastly improved functionality and usability of messaging, imaging, music, video and converged device phone features. Fastap in its alphanumeric implementation has been proven to drive 120 percent more messaging among mobile subscribers. The end result is greater revenue for mobile operators because mobile consumers just flat out use their phone more.
Fastap is truly a global technology platform which can be incorporated into any device based on the design flexibility and easy manufacturability of the keypad. In its full alphanumeric format Fastap can be mapped to any language for mobile subscribers around the globe.