Ready, Set, Play! QIO Systems Launches PANiQ, The World’s First Wearable Consumer Electronics Brand

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--QIO Systems, a leader in wearable electronics, today announced the launch of its PANiQ wearable electronics system. PANiQ is the world’s first wearable consumer electronics brand and allows people to decide which consumer electronics devices they want to control from their interactive clothing.

QIO’s PANiQ electronics are modular, removable and seamlessly integrate into PANiQmode clothing to create a “wearable network” for consumer electronic devices. PANiQmode clothing is made interactive through the integration of PANiQ’s smart-fabric touchpad. Today’s PANiQmode clothing supports iPod or Bluetooth wireless functionality, and all PANiQmode apparel supports any PANiQ electronics and be modified by the wearer.

“We’re building the next generation of wearable electronics and interactive fashion at QIO Systems,” said QIO Systems Co-founder and President, John Collins. “PANiQ changes the game by making wearable electronics affordable and achievable for brands across all segments. The PANiQ program gives fashion and sportswear manufacturers the luxury to stay focused on their core competence of fashion, and leaves PANiQ to manage the rest.”

Consumers activate their garments at will with the functionality they want. PANiQmode supports electronics including iPod/iPhone controls, Bluetooth mobile phone controls, AM/FM radio and even walkie-talkies. PANiQ is also releasing its own line of audio accessories, called PANiQ Budz to complement its PANiQ controllers.

PANiQ electronics have been created to fit consumer tastes and lifestyles. Once considered dreary components to be hidden away in pockets, PANiQ wearable electronics have evolved into fashion-forward accessories married to the brands they support. PANiQ electronics come in vibrant colors and textures and make as much of a statement as the wearer’s style.

PANiQ’s customers include Cole Haan, Zoo York, KILLA, iQuantum, Celio, Beaucre, and Bailo.

PANiQ is also available to apparel manufacturers in PANiQ’s gift-with-purchase program, which allow garments to carry PANiQ electronics attached to PANiQmode clothing at retail. Either way, PANiQ lets apparel manufacturers enter the burgeoning wearable electronics segment for as little as $5. PANiQ’s launch includes PANiQmode products from apparel manufacturers ranging from urban styles, to sportswear, to leisure-and business-wear.

Consumers can purchase PANiQ controllers directly from their favorite apparel and electronics retailers, or from PANiQ’s online web store: PANiQzone.com. PANiQzone.com connects consumers to the interactive PANiQmode garments that they want in a simple, one-stop shop for all their electronics and clothing needs.

PANiQ supports the following electronics at launch:

• PANiQ controller for iPod – supporting all third generation iPods and greater
• PANiQ controller for iPhone
• PANiQ controller for Bluetooth cell phones and iPod
• PANiQ Walkie-Talkie – (Spring 09)
• PANiQ AM/FM – (Spring 09)
• Full Point-of-sale merchandising support for all PANiQ products.

For more information about QIO Systems, please visit www.qiosystems.com or visit the PANiQ Online Store at PANiQzone.com.

About QIO Systems

QIO Systems is a world leader in wearable electronics for apparel and bags. The company is the synthesis of the two leaders in wearable electronics Eleksen and SOFTswitch, with a passion and belief in the importance and relevance of wearable electronics to modern life. With more than 100 years of combined experience in wearable electronics, consumer electronics and apparel and accessories QIO is capable of supporting and assisting its customers to find the right solution to meet their product requirements.