Apple's eWorld

THE FOLLOWING RELEASE MOVED OVER PR NEWSWIRE ON MONDAY, JUNE 20, 1994 AT 7:56 AM, EST.

Apple Computer Launches eWorld, Its New Online Community

CUPERTINO, Calif.--June 20, 1994--From today, traveling the much discussed Information Superhighway could actually begin to make sense for people who want to keep in touch, stay informed and be entertained. Apple Computer, Inc. has launched eWorld , its innovative, informative, powerful yet easy to use online service which includes eWorld for Macintosh and NewtonMail , eWorld's messaging service for Newton . eWorld for Macintosh is an 'online town square' which provides a global electronic mail system together with news ,information and other services from around 100 partners such as Reuters America Inc., Tribune Media Services, ZiffNet/Mac and Inc. Magazine Online.

Included with many Apple Macintosh computers shipped in the US this summer, eWorld for Macintosh software is also available to all US Macintosh users by calling 1-800-775-4556. Apple intends to have eWorld available globally this year, and to have a version for DOS/Windows-based personal computers in 1995. NewtonMail, an eWorld messaging service, is shipping on every Newton from Apple and its licensees. Each eWorld account, password and mailbox is the same across eWorld for Macintosh, NewtonMail and subsequent versions (including eWorld for Windows) giving true cross-platform integration.

NewtonMail is eWorld's messaging service for Newton, built into every Newton MessagePad from Apple its licensees. Specifically developed for Newton products, NewtonMail allows subscribers to take advantage of eWorld's powerful mail services and exchange text messages, ink and items such as Notepad messages (including graphics), business cards and calendar appointments with other Newton users. Just as with eWorld for Macintosh, NewtonMail allows subscribers to easily exchange text messages with Internet users as well as with subscribers to other services accessible through the Internet.

"It's easy to become a part of eWorld and once there, it's friendly and compelling," said Peter Friedman, director and general manager, Apple Online Services. "A variety of innovative publishers and service providers have worked with us to create this informative and entertaining online community. Joining the eWorld community is like strolling to the main square of a small university town. It's full of interesting people and has many fascinating places to go."

The eWorld for Macintosh community consists of an electronic neighborhood of buildings, each representing a specific area of interest. Each building contains a series of online publications from well known publishers, containing valuable information along with interactive conferences and discussion boards. For example, if a person is starting a small business, they could browse through the latest issue of magazines such as Inc. and Upside for ideas, then explore an online publication called Working Solo--a publication designed specifically for people working in small businesses--and finally join in some online conversation with other eWorld for Macintosh subscribers with similar interests to share thoughts and ideas--maybe making some useful contacts.

eWorld for Macintosh is also the best place for Apple customers to get the most out of their Macintosh, Newton or Workgroup Server, offering extensive support and timely information. In addition to Apple, many key industry publications, communities and services as well as leading software and hardware vendors including Claris Corporation, Supermac Technology, CE Software and Global Village have their latest support and product information available on eWorld.

The Apple Customer Center contains a wealth of product information, software updates and other resources directly from Apple. Subscribers can also discuss issues and exchange opinions with other Apple users and participate in dynamic, live conferences with guests from Apple. The technical library used by Apple's own support organization is available, along with other technical information including comprehensive answers to customers' frequently-asked questions. "We expect our customers to find eWorld's Apple Customer Center very valuable," said Jackie Whiting, vice president Customer Services, Apple USA. "Nowhere else can they get such a broad range of information and advice about how to get the best out of our products. It's a powerful, flexible and rich resource, which allows customers to keep in touch with Apple wherever they are."

"The powerful publishing tools behind eWorld will allow us to deliver a wide variety of content to eWorld subscribers," said Michael A. Silver, vice president, Editorial and Development of Tribune Media Services. "Not only will they find the views of columnists such as Pat Buchanan and Deborah Mathis on 'Voices & Views'--they can also keep up with the latest in cooking tips and even create their own TV viewing guide. Because it's so easy to navigate, eWorld subscribers can quickly get to the wealth of information Tribune Media Services is providing."

eWorld software will begin shipping on Macintosh computers, including Power Macintosh and PowerBook , this month and will also be available by contacting eWorld at 1-800-775-4556 in the US. eWorld for Macintosh software is also included with the new book published by Hayden Books 'eWorld, The Official Guide for Macintosh Users', written by Cary Lu and John Milligan and available in major bookstores. The basic monthly subscription to the service is $8.95, which includes two free hours of evening or weekend usage. Each subsequent hour of usage is $4.95. In the US and Canada only, there is an hourly surcharge of $2.95 during business hours (6 a.m.---6 p.m. local time). Access from outside the US carries a $7.95 per hour surcharge (24 hours/day), but no business hour surcharge. There is no extra charge for the use of the Internet mail gateway or for 9600 baud access.

Headquartered in Cupertino, Calif., Apple Computer, Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) develops, manufactures and markets computer systems and services for use in business, education, the home, science, engineering and government. A recognized pioneer and innovator in the personal computer industry, Apple does business in more than 120 countries.

Apple, the Apple logo, Macintosh, Newton, and PowerBook are registered trademarks; and eWorld, NewtonMail, MessagePad, and PowerMacintosh are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. All other trademarks are owned by their respective compaies.

 

However, the dream didn't last long ...