Motor Magazine Names Microvision's Nomad Expert Technician System a 'Top 20 Tool'
BOTHELL, Wash.--Sept. 7, 2004--| Innovative wearable computer and see-through display system for productivity and service quality among automotive industry's best for 2004 |
Microvision, Inc. , a leader in light scanning technologies, announced today that the Nomad Expert Technician System has been named a Top 20 Tool by the leading automotive aftermarket publication, Motor Magazine. The announcement is featured in their September 2004 issue.
The editors of Motor Magazine, which reaches over 144,000 individual and associations directly tied to the automotive repair and service industry, annually select the 20 best pieces of newly-introduced shop equipment from hundreds of entries. John Lypen, Motor Magazine editor, stated on behalf of the editorial review committee, "The message is simple: We're looking for tools that are truly new and innovative. We're looking for tools that make us say, 'Wow! We've never seen anything like this before'. The Nomad Expert Technician System was selected for originality, and for its ability to help technicians diagnose and repair vehicles quickly and correctly, the first time. Innovative products like the Nomad Expert Technician System are essential so that automotive technicians can more easily manage the complexity of today's technologically advanced vehicles. We offer special congratulations to Microvision and each of this year's winners."
The Nomad Expert Technician System is designed to help service technicians and dealerships improve efficiency and customer satisfaction while increasing profitability. Priced about the same as a laptop computer, the Nomad is the world's first wearable, wireless computer to feature a unique head-worn, see-through display that allows technicians to see relevant information while still focusing on their workspace. This multi-tasking productivity tool offers hands-free convenience in the service bay and wireless mobility throughout the dealership environment. By linking remotely with the DMS (dealership management system), technicians gain instant access to electronic repair manuals, work orders, vehicle history, parts inventory or even e-mail so that they can stop wasting valuable time searching for data and waiting for printouts and provide faster, more accurate service.
Weighing only 4.5 oz., the Nomad head-worn Display Module delivers a high-contrast, high-resolution (SVGA) transparent images overlaid on the user's vision. Two comfortable headgear options are available: mounted under the brim of a baseball cap or integrated into a headband. The Nomad System features a fully integrated wireless (802.11b), Win CE-based computer, for simplified connection to an existing computer terminal or remote server to access web-based content. The belt-mounted control module is easy to use with input and navigation via a laptop-style touchpad and or onscreen keypad or optional external keyboard. The Nomad's "thin client" architecture means that there is no software to buy or update.
"Winning a Top 20 Tool award is another strong validation for the Nomad Expert Technician System from the automotive marketplace," said Chris Johnston, Marketing Manager for Nomad Automotive applications, "and we're grateful for the recognition. In the last two months we've installed Nomad systems in a variety of independent service centers and dealerships across the country, and feedback from technicians, service managers and dealership owners leads us to believe that we have developed a tool that is as versatile as it is powerful. They continue to find new ways to use the system -- from maintenance and repairs to service writing and even estimating -- in order to streamline operations and enhance both productivity and service quality."
About Microvision: www.microvision.com
Headquartered in Bothell, Wash., Microvision Inc. is the world leader in the development of high-resolution displays and imaging systems based on the company's proprietary silicon micro-mirror technology. The company's technology has applications in a broad range of military, medical, industrial, professional and consumer products.
