America Online today announced that it has increased its investment in the wireless services sector by acquiring Wildseed - a leading provider of advanced wireless technologies - and also by forming an expanded AOL Wireless group.

Wildseed was founded in June 2000 and is based in Kirkland, Washington, with offices in London, UK. The company is best known for its SmartSkin interactive accessories, which ran on its debut product, the Curitel Identity handset. Wildseed's critically acclaimed technologies provide the industry's richest mobile Linux-based Operating System solution which includes support for Game Boy Advanced style games, MP3 and Video playback, remote device management, and a fully 'skinnable' User Interface for delivering both branded and themed user experiences. Many of the components that form Wildseed's mobile Linux solution can be sold separately to non-Linux based feature phones.

"Data-related mobile technologies are on the cusp of mainstream adoption. We see it everyday in the explosive growth of our mobile AIM traffic. The wireless industry is focused on bringing additional rich media experiences and a new generation of interactive services to the mobile consumer, and we are committed to being a leader in that arena," said John McKinley, Chief Technology Officer and President, Digital Services, America Online, Inc. "With the combination of Tegic and Wildseed, we can offer our carrier and OEM partners the best-in-class platform they need to deliver these rich and engaging mobile experiences and help drive innovation and growth in the industry."

The expanded AOL Wireless division, which encompasses the AOL Mobile, Tegic and Wildseed groups, will speed the delivery of community and convenience to mobile users with an array of software solutions, communications and content services supported by the top wireless carriers and handset manufacturers.

AOL Wireless will be led by Craig Eisler, General Manager & Senior Vice President, AOL Wireless, America Online, Inc. Wildseed employees and operations will be integrated into AOL's current Seattle offices and Wildseed's CEO Eric Engstrom will become AOL Wireless' Senior Vice President, Wireless Products.

"Wildseed's advanced technologies will help AOL enhance the value of its wireless properties, and speed the development and deployment of new applications and solutions that address the wants and needs of consumers and carriers," said Craig Eisler. "We are extremely excited to welcome the Wildseed team into AOL Wireless and look forward to working with our carrier and OEM partners to deliver innovative services and must-have content to their subscribers."

Wildseed has been recognized by the industry for its unique and cutting-edge technology. Accolades include: 2004 and 2005 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Design and Engineering Showcase Award honoree; TechTV's 2003 Best of CES Finalist; Andrew Seybold's Outlook 4Mobility 2002 Innovation Award at Comdex.

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