2008

Wacom exhibits at electronica 2008 held at New Munich Trade Fair Centre

Exhibits:November 11-14, 2008
New Munich Trade Fair Centre

Wacom Booth Hall A3, No.448

For electronica 2008 inquiry please visit the official website.

Wacom^® Unveils Multi-touch Technology at WinHEC

With Windows® 7 on the horizon, Wacom’s multi-touch offers OEM partners another exciting human interface solution from its modular input portfolio

Tokyo, Japan and Vancouver, WA – Nov. 4, 2008 – Wacom Company Ltd. announced today that it will show its new multi-touch solution at WinHEC 2008. Wacom’s multi-touch allows users to navigate and control input on a computer display with multiple fingers. Scalable to fit in small to large sized displays and featuring a low-power consumption design, Wacom’s multi-touch boasts a speed of 100 fps, pointing accuracy within 0.5 mm and a resolution of 200 ppi. Potential markets for Wacom’s multi-touch solution include notebook PC and desktop display manufacturers, as well as vertical market manufacturers that create retail and hospitality point-of-sale terminals, self-service kiosks and industrial automation equipment. For a demonstration, please visit WinHEC booth #401, November 4 to 6 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

"Our dedicated engineering team has worked tirelessly to develop a multi-touch solution that is easy to integrate, affordable and provides clear differentiation from other manufacturers," said Hidetoshi Kamoto, Executive Officer of Wacom Company Ltd’s Component Business Division. "Accuracy is a key focal point and our initial tests confirm a multi-touch system that is incredibly stable, even when installed on larger LCDs, or notebook personal computers operating in battery mode."

A key highlight to Wacom’s multi-touch solution is that it can easily be configured with Wacom’s patented, battery-free and cordless digital pen technology and provides hardware manufacturers and software developers a solid platform on which to build new products. For example, multi-touch and pen functionality systems supported at the operating-system level can help spur the software development community to create new applications that provide users with more options, ultimately providing a computing experience that is easy, efficient, fun and rich with choices.

About Wacom

Wacom Company Ltd., (Tokyo Stock Exchange 6727), is a global company based in Japan with subsidiaries around the globe. Founded in 1983, Wacom’s vision to bring people and technology closer together through natural interface technologies has made it the world’s leading manufacturer of pen tablets, interactive pen displays and digital interface solutions. Wacom’s patented Penabled® technology and its patent-pending RRFC touch technology are also offered as an OEM solution to manufacturers of PC and Macintosh computers. Many of today’s Tablet PCs count on the advanced features and reliability of Wacom’s input technology.

Additionally, Wacom’s pen and touch technology is playing a leading role in the development of such mobile devices as smart phones and PDAs. Wacom is committed to expanding the components brand and will continue to roll out new input technologies that provide a natural and intuitive computing experience.

For more information, please contact:

Douglas A. Little
Public Relations Manager
Wacom Technology Corp.
360-896-9833 x174
douglas.little[at]wacom.com

Wacom exhibits at WinHEC 2008 held at Los Angeles Convention Center

Conference: November 5-7, 2008
Exhibits: November 4-6, 2008
Los Angeles Convention Center
Los Angeles, CA, USA

Wacom booth #401

For WinHEC 2008 inquiry please visit the official website.

Wacom Launches New Surface Capacitive Touchscreen Product Line

CapPLUS extends Wacom’s RRFC technology into new markets and will be on view at FPD, WinHEC and Electronicaa

Tokyo –October 29, 2008 – Wacom announced today that it will launch a major new line of surface capacitive touch components with significantly improved performance over standard product that is available today. The new product line, based on Wacom’s patent pending Reversing Ramped Field Capacitive (RRFC) technology that was first shown at the International Society for Information Display Exhibition in May, 2008, will be marketed under the name CapPLUS, and will provide new levels of durability and performance to desktop monitor and vertical market equipment OEMs: including producers of casino and bar games, retail, lotteryand hospitality point-of-sale terminals, digital signage, self-service kiosks of all types, hospital patient monitoring and bedside multimedia stations, and industrial process automation equipment and all-in-one panel PCs.

CapPLUS will provide a very competitive stand-alone solution for all touchscreen-based devices or can be paired with Wacom’s market-leading EMR pen-input technology and other input solutions to enable new user experiences.

“Standard touch components will open new paths to growth for Wacom and place Wacom firmly in the high-end segment of the global touch industry, a segment that is estimated to exceed $400million in annual revenue,” said Masahiko Yamada, President and CEO of Wacom Company Ltd. “CapPLUS strengthens our commitment to becoming a key global supplier of natural and intuitive human machine interface solutions.”

A Better Capacitive Touch: Drift-free, Easy to Integrate, Stable around Metal, Glove Usage

While today’s widely-available surface capacitive touch technologies deliver superior sensitivity, durability and optics when compared to resistive touch technologies and superior response time and immunity to liquids when compared to acoustic and infrared touch technologies, they can suffer from a variety of application-dependent performance issues, including apparent calibration drift, sensitivity to environmental EM noise, accuracy problems in the corners and on the edges, jagged drawn lines, and have problems with proximity to metal housings and bezels or with simultaneous user contact of metal housing parts and the touchscreen. Also, today’s surface capacitive touch technologies simply do not work without a reliable AC ground or if the user is wearing gloves.

Wacom CapPLUS provides the benefits of today’s surface capacitive while solving all these problems using Wacom’s proprietary RRFC technology that was developed especially with ungrounded, battery-operated portable devices in mind. CapPLUS is RRFC technology packaged in a standardized component form suitable for use by OEMs, monitor integrators and value-added resellers. It is drift-free, stable, durable, sealable, linear to the edges, provides the smoothest dragged line of any touch technology, is immune to changes in temperature and humidity, not affected by water on the screen and offers significantly improved immunity to noise, ground instability and the proximity of metal parts. In addition, it can work through surgical gloves and typical polypropylene gloves used in food-preparation.

“It is rare in the touch industry that huge leaps in performance improvement can be achieved on the basis of an already accepted technology. Surface capacitive has been available in the market for more than 20 years without significant innovation to enhance its performance,” said Hidetoshi Kamoto,Executive Officer, Components Business Division of of Wacom Company Ltd.. “Wacom CapPLUS will appeal to current users of surface capacitive touch technology that want to improve performance without increasing cost or sacrificing on global support and will open new market areas for surface capacitive, particularly in medical, industrial, food-service POS and digital signage applications. It also provides a great solution, from an experienced PC industry supplier, for the growing demand for touch in consumer and office-type desktop monitors and all-in-ones.”

Wacom CapPLUS standard sensor glass is built to proprietary specifications with edge patterns, an extra-robust “tail” construction and extra-thick surface hardcoat that are unique to Wacom. Each CapPLUS sensor also includes an ITO backshield coating and achieves optical transmissivity greater than 91%. The standard CapPLUS serial+USB controller and firmware handles all sizes up to 32” with various glass thicknesses.

Custom Development and Support: Large Sizes, Extra-Durable Coatings and Flush Surface

Wacom’s RRFC touch development center in Austin, Texas, is fully-equipped for prototyping and staffed by experienced touch engineers. Customized electronics and firmware configurations allow for a size range that is limited only by the availability of high-quality ITO-coated substrate glass, with 46” already proven in development.

Other capabilities of the Wacom technical team include specifying and supplying extra-durable surface hardcoats, laminations for extra strength and to include additional layers in the sensor such as privacy and EMI filters, and flush surface (or “zero-bezel”) sensor glass to meet demanding new industrial design requirements that cannot be satisfied by today’s surface capacitive, acoustic, infrared and optical touch suppliers. Wacom Components sales support is global with teams in each of the major regions: USA, Asia and Europe, and with extensive staffing in Taiwan and China that are highly-experienced in supporting OEM/ODM and contract manufacturing supply chains.

For more information please check out the Wacom website at www.wacom-components.com

About Wacom

Wacom Company Ltd., (Tokyo Stock Exchange 6727), is a global company based in Japan with subsidiaries around the globe. Founded in 1983, Wacom’s vision to bring people and technology closer together through natural interface technologies has made it the world’s leading manufacturer of pen tablets, interactive pen displays and digital interface solutions. Wacom’s patented Penabled technology and its patent-pending RRFC touch technology are also offered as an OEM solution to manufacturers of PC and Macintosh computers. Many of today’s Tablet PCs count on the advanced features and reliability of Wacom’s input technology.

Additionally, Wacom’s pen and touch technology is playing a leading role in the development of such mobile devices as smart phones and PDAs. Wacom is committed to expanding the components brand and will continue to roll out new input technologies that provide a natural and intuitive computing experience.

For further information, please contact:

Kazuomi Ikeda
Wacom Co., Ltd. Public Relations
Tel: +81-(0)3-5309-1501
Email: wacompr[at]wacom.co.jp

Yuki Horie
Wacom Co., Ltd. Component Business Division
Tel: +81-(0)3-5309-1508

Wacom Input Technology to be Exhibited at FPD International 2008 held at Pacifico Yokohama, Japan

Dates: October 29 (Wed) - 31 (Fri) 10:00-17:00
Venue: Pacifico Yokohama, Japan
Organized by: Nikkei Business Publications, Inc.
Co-organazed by: Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI)

Booth # 5802

With unique pen technology, Wacom provides natural and direct user interface solutions. Wacom's original EMR (Electro-Magnetic Resonance) method known as Wacom Penabled Technology brings you pen expression on computer screens just like on paper in addition to improving usability like choosing icons and scrolling.

EMR sensor is placed behind the display which realizes high durability while maintaining display's clear image and brightness. With these advantages, EMR component is being accepted in tablet PCs, mobile applications, and devices used in severe environment.

Also Reversing Ramped Field Capacitive (RTFC™) touch　technology, which was released last spring will be shown in various sizes. Please visit our booth to try our new demo machines with EMR+touch （RRFC or Resistive) for both pen and finger input capability. Also shown are samples of small to desk top monitor size sensor and pen varieties.

Contact

For Wacom booth inquiries
For FPD International 2008 inquiry please visit the official website.

We look forward to your visit.

iRex Selects Wacom Penabled Technology for Its New Series of E-Readers

22 September 2008, Tokyo – The world’s leading provider of e-reading solutions with annotation capability, iRex Technologies, has selected Wacom Penabled® Technology as the basic input method for the iRex Digital Reader 1000, their new series of e-readers for the business professional.

Following the success of the iRex iLiad series, the company recognized the need for a new generation of e-readers for business users. The result is the iRex 1000 series, offering superior functionality and a unique 10.2 inch electronic paper display to allow easy reading and referencing of documents from A4 PowerPoint presentations to sophisticated PDF files and from HTML to TXT and JPEG. Increased memory ensures that users can be confident that the device will hold any and all documents they require.

With Wacom’s patented EMR® sensor system as the main input method, users can use make notes and annotations using normal handwriting and drawing directly on the iRex Digital Reader 1000 display with a highly accurate and sensitive digital pen. Writing appears on the document immediately, just as you would expect with normal paper and ink. In addition, the pen provides an intuitive way to navigate the device user interface, just point at what you want.

When using an iRex Digital Reader 1000, the business professional no longer needs to carry around heavy and bulky documentation or other paperwork. It offers a way for individuals and companies to cut out the billions of pages of printed paper they produce each year, making a powerful contribution to the environment. “The computer revolutionised the way we do business, but it has never offered a solution to match paper. With the launch of the 1000 series it is now possible to ‘print’ documents onto electronic paper for the first time as well as mark them up in a completely intuitive way.” said Hans Brons, CEO of iRex.

“Tax specialists, accountants and lawyers that previously had thick piles of documents can carry them in their digital reader; students and academics can easily save their textbooks in the device; government and public sector organisations can make minutes and reports available electronically whilst medical specialists can have all their patient information and key texts at their fingertips.”

“Our partnerships with technology leaders like Wacom are vital to drive new and better applications. We selected Wacom’s EMR digitizer for the iRex iLiad series and continue with iRex 1000 series to provide our end-users the best-of-breed technology for pen-based data entry” said Hans Brons.

“What could be more natural for the average professional than making notes on reports with a pen or for the average student than underlining or circling important text in a book? Wacom delivers this with a battery-less, cordless pen to iRex e-readers, which are unique in the world in realizing that not only do people want to read paper documents digitally, they also want to write on them.” comments Stephan Herron, Director Component Sales EMEA for Wacom. “iRex and Wacom worked closely together through the entire development cycle for the iRex Digital Reader 1000 to ensure that demanding professional users would experience the ultimate paper-like experience.”

About Wacom Penabled Technology

Wacom Penabled Technology is named for EMR (Electro-Magnetic Resonance) sensor technology built into tablet PCs and patented digital pen technologies, enabling users to use a single digital pen on a wide array of information devices that support Wacom Penabled technology. With a strong focus on providing “Wacom Penabled Technology” to support a widespread use of the natural and intuitive writing environment with “digital pen & paper,” we establish our position as the global leader in the market to provide enabling technologies for a variety of information devices.

About Wacom

Wacom Europe GmbH is a subsidiary of Wacom Company, Ltd. (Tokyo Stock Exchange 6727). Founded in 1983, Wacom is a global company based in Japan with subsidiaries and affiliate offices around the world to support marketing and distribution in over 150 countries. Wacom’s vision to bring people and technology closer together through natural interface technologies has made it the world’s leading manufacturer of pen tablets, interactive pen displays, and digital interface solutions. The advanced technology of Wacom’s intuitive input devices has been used to create some of the most exciting digital art, films, special effects, fashion and designs around the world and provides business and home users with their leading interface technology to express their personality. Millions of customers are using its cordless, battery-free, pressure-sensitive pen technology. The company also offers its products as OEM solutions to leading manufacturers serving incremental markets.

Wacom’s patented digital interface technology, called Penabled®, is also offered as an integrated solution to strategic partners. Most Tablet PC manufacturers count on the advanced features and reliability of Penabled technology to deliver a superior pen experience. Penabled technology is also playing an essential role in the development of leading-edge mobile devices.

About iRex Technologies

iRex Technologies BV have been instrumental in pushing the frontiers of digital reading since 2001 when their team developed the electronic paper display for the Sony Librié the first commercially available e-reader launched in 2004. Following the formation of iRex Technologies in 2005 as a spin-off company from Royal Philips Electronics their focus on open innovation and co-operation has seen them become the world’s leading provider of solutions for reading written digital content with the ease and comfort of print on paper. This is combined with the interactivity, flexibility and up-dating functionality provided by digital information.

Located on the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven, the Netherlands iRex serves the B2B market as well as the consumer market and works closely with companies and publishers to enable them to offer their content (newspapers, books, documents) digitally to clients, subscribers and employees. www.irextechnologies.com

Note to Editors:

A limited number of demonstration devices are available for short term testing. To arrange a trial and demonstration please use the contact information below. High resolution photos can be downloaded from: http://www.irextechnologies.com/press/downloads

For further information please contact:

Wacom Co., Ltd
Kazuomi Ikeda
Tel: +81 3 5901 1501
Email: ikeda.kazuomi[at]wacom.co.jp

iRex Technologies
Loeki van der Lee
Tel: +31 (0)40 85 14 650
Email: loeki.van.der.lee[at]irextechnologies.com

Wacom’s Penabled Technology used in Lenovo’s latest mobile workstation

Wacom’s Penabled Technology used in Lenovo’s latest mobile workstation Wacom’s Penabled® Technology, the electro-magnetic resonance (EMR®) sensor system by Wacom Co., Ltd. (Headquarter: Kita-Saitama-gun, Saitama, Japan; President: Masahiko Yamada) is used as an input interface for ThinkPad W700, Lenovo’s latest high-end mobile workstation to be launched today by Lenovo Japan and in various countries throughout the world.

ThinkPad W700 is a high-spec, high-performance mobile workstation packed with cutting-edge technologies and equipped with a 17-inch widescreen display with a built-in color calibrator and palm-rest digitizer. An industry first in a mobile workstation, the palm-rest area in front of the keyboard features a 128 x 80 mm digitizer and pen employing Wacom’s EMR® pen-input technology. The palm-rest digitizer makes it easy and natural to use a pen when drawing graphics or making menu selections that might be difficult to do with a mouse or the trackpoint. The digitizer area can be scaled to map to two screens when an external display is connected, and a wide range of settings can be configured for ease of use.

About Wacom Penabled Technology

Wacom Penabled Technology is named for EMR (Electro-Magnetic Resonance) sensor technology built into tablet PCs and patented digital pen technologies, enabling users to use a single digital pen on a wide array of information devices that support Wacom Penabled technology. With a strong focus on providing “Wacom Penabled Technology” to support a widespread use of the natural and intuitive writing environment with “digital pen & paper,” we establish our position as the global leader in the market to provide enabling technologies for a variety of information devices.

About Wacom

Wacom Company Ltd., (Tokyo Stock Exchange 6727), is a global company based in Japan with subsidiaries around the globe. Founded in 1983, Wacom’s vision to bring people and technology closer together through natural interface technologies has made it the world’s leading manufacturer of pen tablets, interactive pen displays and digital interface solutions. Wacom’s patented Penabled technology and its patent-pending RRFC touch technology are also offered as an OEM solution to manufacturers of PC and Macintosh computers. Many of today’s Tablet PCs count on the advanced features and reliability of Wacom’s input technology.

Additionally, Wacom’s pen and touch technology is playing a leading role in the development of such mobile devices as smart phones and PDAs. Wacom is committed to expanding the components brand and will continue to roll out new input technologies that provide a natural and intuitive computing experience.

For information, please contact:

Kazuomi Ikeda
Wacom Co., Ltd. Public Relations
Tel: +81-(0)3-5309-1501
Email: wacompr@wacom.co.jp

Yuki Horie Wacom Co., Ltd. Component Business Division
Tel: +81-(0)3-5309-1508

Wacom^® And E Ink^® Partnership Delivers Pen Input To Electronic Paper Displays

Combined expertise provides innovative and flexible human interface solutions to mobile computing platforms

Tokyo, Japan, Vancouver, WA, Cambridge, MA, - May 19, 2008 - Wacom and E Ink Corporation announced today a partnership that will integrate Wacom's Penabled® digital pen input solution with E Ink's Vizplex™ electronic paper displays. With pen input high on the list of many eBook, Tablet PC, eNewspaper, PDA, eNotepad and appliance-type designers, the Wacom and E Ink partnership comes at an ideal time for mobile computing manufacturers looking to develop new and exciting consumer products.

E Ink's Broadsheet AM300 prototyping kit, available in a 6 inch diagonal size in June and other sizes later, combines the two technologies in a solution that mobile computing manufacturers can easily integrate into their product designs.

Wacom (Booth 1129) and E Ink (Booth 913) will be showcasing their technologies at the International Society for Information Display exhibition, May 20 to 22, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.

Electronic paper with pen input is ideal for reviewing documents on a portable device. E Ink Vizplex displays enable slimmer devices to have bigger screens that are easy on the eyes, even in ambient light. The intuitive nature of pen input makes it easy to navigate, write down ideas, highlight points of interest, as well as sketch or draw. Together the technologies achieve the ultimate vision of an interactive piece of paper.

"e-Paper is opening up a number of new products for displays, including eBooks, Mobile Internet Devices, Smart Labels and Digital Signage." said Barry Young, Senior Advisor for DisplaySearch. He added that "the partnership between E Ink and Wacom in the application of pen input should increase the breadth of ePaper capabilities and accelerate the growth rate."

"The marriage of Wacom's input technology with E Ink's Vizplex electronic paper displays offer manufacturers unmatched flexibility and creativity when it comes to the design of e-paper based products," said Stephen Sedaker, Director of Component Sales for Wacom. "Whether giving the user a way to digitally jot notes in the column of a book, or circle an interesting entry in the daily newspaper, people now have the option to interact freely with electronic paper."

Partnership Promotes Innovation

As electronic paper displays enter mainstream applications, the ability to support writing and drawing has become important. In emerging applications like eTextbooks, this feature is vital. Students are used to highlighting selected text, making annotations and simply scribbling notes and until now that was only possible via a keyboard connected to an electronic paper display. Pen input allows a level of flexibility and freedom that is not easily duplicated by other input means.

Wacom and E Ink are both leaders in their respective fields. Wacom's electro-magnetic resonance (EMR®) technology, bolstered by its patented battery-free and cordless digital pen, dubbed Penabled, has played a significant role in the development and success of the mobile computing industry. Wacom's OEM customers include, Lenovo, HP, Toshiba and Gateway.

E Ink's Vizplex electronic paper displays have become the display of choice for applications like eBook, eNotepad, eNewspaper, and ePlanner. With key attributes such as ultra low power, sunlight readability, thin form factor, low weight and EMI, E Ink's Vizplex displays offer benefits unmatched by any other display technology or manufacturer. E Ink's customers include Lexar, Motorola, Sony, Amazon, Citizen, Casio-Hitachi, iRex, Polymer Vision and Plastic Logic among others.

"E Ink Vizplex displays are replacing paper documents as people look for faster and more convenient ways to receive and absorb written information. One of the key benefits of ordinary paper is that you can write on it," said Sriram Peruvemba, Vice President of Marketing for E Ink Corp. "Now with Wacom's help, people can write and draw on electronic paper for a natural and collaborative experience."

The Broadsheet AM300 prototype kit being offered by E Ink is the fastest way to start working with E Ink technology which now includes the Wacom Pen input feature. The Broadsheet kit will enable engineers to rapidly prototype and develop next generation ePaper products. The AM300 will be shipping in June and is available online at www.eink.com for pre-order.

About Wacom

Wacom Company Ltd., (Tokyo Stock Exchange 6727), is a global company based in Japan with subsidiaries around the globe. Founded in 1983, Wacom's vision to bring people and technology closer together through natural interface technologies has made it the world's leading manufacturer of pen tablets, interactive pen displays and digital interface solutions. Wacom's patented Penabled technology and its patent-pending RRFC touch technology are also offered as an OEM solution to manufacturers of PC and Macintosh computers. Many of today's Tablet PCs count on the advanced features and reliability of Wacom's input technology.

Additionally, Wacom's pen and touch technology is playing a leading role in the development of such mobile devices as smart phones and PDAs. Wacom is committed to expanding the components brand and will continue to roll out new input technologies that provide a natural and intuitive computing experience.

About E Ink Corporation

E Ink Corporation is the world's leading supplier of electronic paper display (EPD) technologies. E Ink's technology is ideal for many consumer and industrial applications spanning handheld devices, eBooks, PC-accessories, watches, clocks, and public information displays and promotional signs. E Ink is a private corporation that includes among its investors and strategic partners TOPPAN Printing Company, The Hearst Corporation, Intel Capital, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., and Motorola, Inc. E Ink news can be found at: www.eink.com.

For information, please contact:

Douglas A. Little
Public Relations Manager
Wacom Technology Corp.
Tel: 360-896-9833 x174
Email: douglas.little@wacom.com

E Ink Corporation / US
Doug Russell or Bill Donlan
Schwartz Communications
Tel: 781-684-0770
Email: eink@schwartz-pr.com

Wacom exhibits at SID 2008 held at Los Angeles Convention Center

2008 International Symposium, Seminar, and Exhibition
May 18-23, 2008
Los Angeles Convention Center
Los Angeles, California, USA

Wacom booth #1129

For SID2008 inquiry please visit the official website.

Wacom Input Technology to be Exhibited at ESEC2008 held at Tokyo Big Sight, Japan

Dates: May 14 (Wed) - 16 (Fri) 10:00-18:00 ( -17:00 on 18th )
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight, Japan
Organized by: Reed Exhibitions Japan Ltd.

Booth #east33-19

With unique pen technology, Wacom provides natural and direct user interface solutions. Wacom's original EMR (Electro-Magnetic Resonance) method known as Wacom Penabled Technology brings you pen expression on computer screens just like on paper in addition to improving usability like choosing icons and scrolling.

EMR sensor is placed behind the display which realizes high durability while maintaining display's clear image and brightness. With these advantages, EMR component is being accepted in tablet PCs, mobile applications, and devices used in severe environment.

Also following the press release of our new Reversing Ramped Field Capacitive (RTFC TM) touch, on 22nd April, the technology will be publicly unveiled for the first time. Please visit our booth to try our new demo machines with EMR+touch （RRFC or Resistive) for both pen and finger input capability. Also shown are samples of small to desk top monitor size sensor and pen varieties.

Contact

For Wacom booth inquiries
For ESEC2008 inquiry please visit the official website.

We look forward to your visit.

Wacom^® Introduces Major Innovations In Capacitive Touchscreen Technology

New human interface solution to debut at the Society for Information Display exhibition

Tokyo, Japan and Vancouver, WA, USA – April 22, 2008 – Wacom announced today a major innovation in capacitive touchscreen technology, called Reversing Ramped Field Capacitive (RRFC™) touch, that will be publicly unveiled at the International Society for Information Display Exhibition, booth #1129, May 20 to 22, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. Wacom’s patent-pending technology employs newly designed low-power circuitry and revolutionary reversing ramped electro-static fields to deliver pinpoint precision and drift-free performance to touchscreen users. The technology can be integrated into dual-input applications with Wacom’s market-leading EMR® pen-input technology for Tablet PC OEMs or work by itself on other platforms that require only a finger touch interface. With this newly developed technology, Wacom can provide true flexibility to OEM partners seeking best-in-class interface solutions.

“Wacom’s latest capacitive touch innovation is truly another technology breakthrough for Wacom,” said Masahiko Yamada, President and CEO of Wacom Company Ltd. “It demonstrates our calling and commitment to bringing human interface products to market that make computing more natural, easy and fun.”

Intuitive Integration

Wacom’s RRFC touch technology overcomes many limitations that are inherent in surface capacitive touchscreens available today. For starters, Wacom employs new static field engineering for increased stability and drift-free performance. With advanced ASIC design and high resolution signal processing, RRFC touch is effectively immune to noise. It is also the only surface capacitive touch technology that can demonstrate excellent accuracy, stability and sensitivity even when working on battery power. As an additional benefit, both Wacom’s RFFC touch and EMR pen input technologies can work together off of a single ASIC and MCU pair, significantly reducing overall bill of materials and manufacturing costs. Furthermore, Wacom incorporates highly durable and transparent glass sensors with multiple coating and bonding options as well as intuitive driver software, creating a compelling portfolio of human interface solutions for OEM partners seeking cost-effective, state-of-the-art technology for system integration.

“Our new proprietary RRFC touch technology is exciting on a couple of fronts,” said Shawn Gray, Wacom’s Director of Touchscreen Operations. "New controller processing methods and system design provide extremely accurate pointing at much lower power consumption levels and without increased cost. These factors and others, such as ease of integration and stability, position Wacom RRFC touch as a natural alternative to resistive, surface acoustic wave and infrared touch technologies. Any OEM should seriously look at Wacom’s solution when deciding to move beyond resistive touch solutions on portable devices or when seeking to find new and exciting capacitive touch performance in AC-powered applications.”

Benefit of Wacom’s RRFC Dual Touchscreens

Compared to touchscreens with resistive, an older touchscreen technology, Wacom’s RRFC touch offers superior optical performance, while having increased sensitivity and durability. Wacom touchscreens have greater transmissivity of up to 95 percent, compared to transmissivity of only 80 to 85 percent in resistive touch screens. Wacom RRFC touch technology requires less pressure, that is, only a very light stroke to activate a signal, compared to the force required in a resistive touch screen. The hard surface in Wacom’s RRFC touchscreen is also tougher than glass, which helps eliminate wear and scratching.

History of Innovation in Human Interface Technology

For the last 25 years Wacom has brought people and technology closer together through its natural and highly intuitive line of pen tablets and interactive pen displays. The company’s electro-magnetic resonance (EMR®) technology, bolstered by its patented battery-free and cordless digital pen, dubbed Penabled®, has played a significant role in the development and success of the mobile computing industry, culminating with the introduction of the first Tablet PC in 2001. As OEM and consumer demand for new and more natural input options increased, Wacom took the lead by offering electronic solutions for its pen together with 3rd party resistive touch input to manufacturers of Tablet PCs. To date, Wacom’s pen and resistive touch systems can be found on some of the world’s leading convertible notebook computers including, Lenovo, HP, Toshiba and Gateway. Wacom’s introduction of its own RRFC touch technology continues the strong tradition of developing human interface solutions solely aimed at creating and delivering affordable, ergonomically sound, efficient and enjoyable computing experiences to both consumer and professional users.

Engineering, Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management Expertise

A global company with a wealth of experience producing large volumes of components for PC OEMs, as well as its own branded products, Wacom’s engineering, manufacturing and supply chain management teams will work closely with OEMs looking to integrate Wacom’s technology into their computing devices. Wacom’s modern, high-capacity manufacturing facilities provide OEM system integrators with low-cost, high-quality products. Its extensive design and testing services allow integrators to find the right solution so that they may compete for larger, more profitable business.

About Wacom

Wacom Company Ltd., (Tokyo Stock Exchange 6727), is a global company based in Japan with subsidiaries around the globe. Founded in 1983, Wacom’s vision to bring people and technology closer together through natural interface technologies has made it the world’s leading manufacturer of pen tablets, interactive pen displays and digital interface solutions. Wacom’s patented Penabled technology and its patent-pending RRFC touch technology are also offered as an OEM solution to manufacturers of PC and Macintosh computers. Many of today’s Tablet PCs count on the advanced features and reliability of Wacom’s input technology. Additionally, Wacom’s pen and touch technology is playing a leading role in the development of such mobile devices as smart phones and PDAs. Wacom is committed to expanding the components brand and will continue to roll out new input technologies that provide a natural and intuitive computing experience.

For information, please contact:

Douglas A. Little
Public Relations Manager
Wacom Technology Corp.
Tel: 360-896-9833 x174
Email: douglas.little@wacom.com

Wacom Input Technology to be Exhibited at Display 2008 held at Tokyo Big Sight, Japan

Dates: April 16 (Wed) - 18 (Fri) 10:00-18:00 ( -17:00 on 18th )
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight, Japan
Organized by: Reed Exhibitions Japan Ltd.

Booth # 41-4

With unique pen technology, Wacom provides natural and direct user interface solutions. Wacom's original EMR (Electro-Magnetic Resonance) method known as Wacom Penabled Technology brings you pen expression on computer screens just like on paper in addition to improving usability like choosing icons and scrolling.
EMR sensor is placed behind the display which realizes high durability while maintaining display's clear image and brightness. With these advantages, EMR component is being accepted in tablet PCs, mobile applications, and devices used in severe environment. In Display 2008 show, visit our booth to try our new demo machines with EMR+touch for both pen and finger input capability. Also shown are samples of small to desk top monitor size sensor and pen varieties.

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For Display 2008 inquiry please visit the official website.

We look forward to your visit.

Philips Selects Wacom Penabled Technology For Its New Mobile Clinical Assistant

CliniScape helps to increase the quality of hospital care – pen-based interface adds intuitive usability

Wacom’s Penabled technology has been selected as the key input device for CliniScape, a mobile clinical assistant developed by Royal Philips Electronics due to be released worldwide in May 2008.

The Philips CliniScape brings a number of technology features together into a single Intel-powered Windows Vista portable PC platform. The ultra-ergonomic, always connected device is designed to require minimal training and provides significant benefits to clinical users, helping to reduce medication errors, positively identify staff and patients, fill out charts, capture vital signs, write up reports and validate blood transfusions as well as the ability to closely monitor the healing of wounds.

With Wacom’s patented EMR® sensor system as the main input device, nurses and doctors can use the CliniScape to document information using normal handwriting and drawings with a highly accurate and sensitive digital pen that writes directly on the display with immediate visual feedback. The pen also provides a much faster and accurate way to navigate around computer applications giving access to all typical point-and-click application functions and right-click menu options. By using CliniScape in hospital wards, doctors and nurses will no longer need to carry around patient records or any other paperwork and hospitals can reduce transcription errors. The CliniScape is designed to be used directly at the patient’s bedside to display patient records electronically make detailed notes on the patient’s condition and treatments prescribed, and integrate directly with central hospital IT systems in an efficient manner. "Nurses and doctors will be more inclined to accept our CliniScape MCA if they can use a stylus pen that comfortably enables them to select menu options, right-click, handwrite and enter text directly on the device while standing or walking around" said Franco Martegani, CEO, Philips FIMI, a division of Philips Healthcare. "We have selected Wacom's EMR digitizer to provide our end-users the best-of-breed technology for pen input based data-entry".

The Wacom solution also includes the display writing surface with its optimal optics, high durability to the inevitable bumps and drops that will occur in a high-traffic environment, and custom border printing to Philips exacting standards.

“The total Wacom solution delivers the most natural and convenient input interface possible for the CliniScape’s highly durable, compact and easily-cleaned form factor. Wacom’s Penabled components are the unquestioned leaders in pen input to PCs with strong support from Windows and Intel-based platforms such as the Mobile Clinical Assistant,” comments Stephan Herron, Director Component Sales EMEA, Wacom Europe GmbH. “To Philips, we were able to offer a complete solution that is perfectly suited to the typical hospital, clinic and doctor’s office user situation: holding the CliniScape with one hand while standing and writing or demonstrating to the patient with the other hand using the pen as both writing instrument and pointer. It is as natural as carrying around a clipboard.”

An increasing amount of hospital work is being conducted electronically in recent years, such as entering diagnostic records directly onto electronic patient records and diagnostic images, or doctors signing off documents electronically. In addition to these usages, Wacom anticipates an increase in the demand for making hand-written notes on electronic documents using digital pens and operating systems through remote access within areas such as finance, insurance, and distribution. We will continue to develop solutions relating to these areas to drive our business forward.

About Wacom Penabled Technology

Wacom Penabled Technology is named for EMR (Electro-Magnetic Resonance) sensor technology built into tablet PCs and patented digital pen technologies, enabling users to use a single digital pen on a wide array of information devices that support Wacom Penabled technology. With a strong focus on providing “Wacom Penabled Technology” to support a widespread use of the natural and intuitive writing environment with “digital pen & paper,” we establish our position as the global leader in the market to provide enabling technologies for a variety of information devices.

About Wacom

Wacom Company Ltd., (Tokyo Stock Exchange 6727), is a global company based in Japan with subsidiaries in the United States (Wacom Technology Corporation), Germany (Wacom Europe GmbH), China (Wacom China Corporation), Korea (Wacom Digital Solutions), Australia (Wacom Australia Pty, Ltd) and Singapore (Wacom Singapore Pte. Ltd.). In addition to these subsidiaries, Wacom has affiliate offices around the world to support marketing and distribution in over 150 countries.

Founded in 1983, Wacom’s vision to bring people and technology closer together through natural interface technologies has made it the world’s leading manufacturer of pen tablets, interactive pen displays, and digital interface solutions. The advanced technology of Wacom’s intuitive input devices has been used to create some of the most exciting digital art, films, special effects, fashion and designs around the world and provides business and home users with their leading interface technology to express their personality. Millions of customers are using its cordless, battery-free, pressure-sensitive pen technology.

Wacom’s patented digital interface technology, called Penabled®, is also offered as an integrated solution to strategic partners. Most Tablet PC manufacturers count on the advanced features and reliability of Penabled technology to deliver a superior pen experience. Penabled technology is also playing an essential role in the development of leading edge mobile devices. The company also offers its products as OEM solutions to leading manufacturers serving incremental markets.

About Wacom

Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a global leader in healthcare, lighting and consumer lifestyle, delivering people-centric, innovative products, services and solutions through the brand promise of “sense and simplicity”. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 123,800 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 27 billion in 2007, the company is a market leader in medical diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring systems, energy efficient lighting solutions, as well as lifestyle solutions for personal wellbeing.

For information, please contact:

Kazuomi Ikeda
Wacom Co., Ltd. Public Relations
Tel: +81-(0)3-5309-1501
Email: wacompr@wacom.co.jp

Yuki Horie
Wacom Co., Ltd. Component Business Division
Tel: +81-(0)3-5309-1508

Wacom^® Penabled^® DualTouch Input Aboard New HP tx2000 Notebook PC

Wacom’s multi-dimensional pen and touch input capabilities offer users of the HP Pavilion tx2000 convertible notebook computer intuitive navigation and communication freedoms.

Vancouver, WA - Jan. 7, 2008 - Wacom’s Penabled DualTouch technology enhances the overall user experience of the newly introduced HP Pavilion tx2000 convertible notebook computer. The Penabled DualTouch featured on the HP Pavilion tx2000 is an advanced interaface solution combining Wacom’s EMR® (Electro-Magnetic Resonance) sensor, touch panel sensor and controller technology.

Penabled DualTouch allows users to seamlessly and automatically transition between pen and touch input. HP Pavilion tx2000 owners will find it easy to make notes, or sketch a quick diagram with the cordless, battery-free pen, while the touch feature opens up new ways to navigate and expand user input options.

By combining a lightweight design (starting at 4.29 pounds), 12.1" diagonal widescreen display with an optional webcam and two omni-directional microphones for VoIP along with Wacom’s enhanced input capabilities, HP has created a mobile computing device that is all business and all entertainment rolled up into one exciting package.

“Wacom draws from its vast engineering and manufacturing experience to develop programs and processes that help companies like HP build intuitive and affordable mobile devices,“ said Masahiko Yamada, President of Wacom Company, Ltd. “The use of our input technology in the HP Pavilion tx2000 is a testament to Wacom’s leadership role developing products that meet the requirements of its OEM customers and the needs of today’s mobile computing community.“

Working with Windows Vista™

The introduction of Windows Vista provides hardware manufacturers and software developers a powerful platform on which to build new products. Pen and touch functionality supported at the operating-system level will allow the software community to create original and natural input options. This innovation within the software community will be supported by pen-related hardware advances facilitated by Wacom’s patented input technology. The net result of these symbiotic relationships will be the delivery of computing experiences that are faster, easier and more efficient.

The HP Pavilion tx2000 is expected to be available January 8 for an estimated U.S. starting price of $1,299 through the HP Home and Home Office store, as well as retail stores in March.

About Wacom and Penabled Technology

Founded in 1983, Wacom is the world’s leading manufacturer of pen tablets and interactive pen displays with customers worldwide using its cordless, battery-free, pressure-sensitive pen technology for digital content creation. Wacom’s patented Penabled technology is also offered as an OEM solution to manufacturers of PC and Macintosh computers. Many of today’s Tablet PCs count on the advanced features and reliability of Wacom’s input technology. Additionally, Wacom’s pen and touch technology is playing a leading role in the development of such mobile devices as notebook computers, smart phones and PDAs. Wacom is committed to expanding the Penabled brand and will continue to roll out new input technologies that provide a natural and intuitive computing experience.

For information, please contact:

Kazuomi Ikeda
Wacom Co., Ltd. Public Relations
Tel: +81-(0)3-5309-1501
Email: wacompr@wacom.co.jp

Yuki Horie
Wacom Co., Ltd. Component Business Division
Tel: +81-(0)3-5309-1508