Comverse, a subsidiary of Comverse Technology, Inc, the world`s leading supplier of software and systems enabling network-based multimedia enhanced communication and billing services, and Skype, the global Internet communications company, today announced Skype Klonies, an innovative avatar service that lets users personalise Skype with special characters that reflect their personalities, moods and interests.
Using the Klonies Studio in the Skype Web site, users can create and frequently update their unique Klonie image - changing hairstyles, clothing and accessories, expressions, locations, animated activities and more.
Klonies appear as the Skype Caller ID on the screen of the called party, representing how the user would like to be seen, and reflecting the user`s appearance, interests and feelings. As part of the launch and as the world`s attention turns to soccer, a special "Football Mania" content catalogue has been created, which will allow users to dress their Klonies in fans` clothing and accessories, perform the well-known ola wave in the football stadium, and much more.
"Recent surveys we conducted show that personalisation capabilities are important to the Skype community," said Saul Klein, VP Marketing, Skype. "Avatars are a key component of the Skype personalisation strategy. Klonies are debuting on the Skype site and launching with a `Football Mania` section offering fun and topical content to everyone on Skype."
"We believe that Klonies will be popular among Skype users, and will enhance Skype`s reputation as an industry innovator," said Zeev Bregman, Chief Executive Officer at Comverse. "In addition, the Skype Klonies will be valuable for Skype in the mould of other personalisation services, such as the ringtone and wallpaper market."
To visit Klonies on Skype, go to http://skype.klonies.com.
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Skype is the world`s fastest-growing Internet communication offering, allowing people everywhere to make unlimited voice and video communication for free between the users of Skype software. Skype is available in 27 languages and is used in almost every country around the world. Skype generates revenue through its premium offerings such as making and receiving calls to and from landline and mobile phones, voicemail, call forwarding and personalization including ringtones and avatars. Skype also has relationships with a growing network of hardware and software providers.
Skype is an eBay company (NASDAQ: EBAY). To learn more, visit skype.com.
Skype is not a replacement for your ordinary telephone and cannot be used for emergency calling.
Comverse
Comverse, a subsidiary of Comverse Technology, Inc (NASDAQ: CMVT), is the world`s leading provider of software and systems enabling network-based multimedia enhanced communication and billing services. The company`s Total Communication portfolio includes value-added messaging, personalised data and content-based services, and real-time converged billing solutions. Over 450 communication and content service providers in more than 120 countries use Comverse products to generate revenues, strengthen customer loyalty and improve operational efficiency. For additional information, visit the Comverse Web site at www.comverse.com or the Comverse Technology Web site at www.cmvt.com.
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