Lok8u and T-Mobile First to Bring Micro 3FF SIM Cards to U.S. M2M Market

LAS VEGAS & BIRMINGHAM, England--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Lok8u Ltd., a global provider of location based safety solutions, and T-Mobile, one of the world’s leading mobile communications companies, today announced the first U.S. deployment of micro subscriber identity module (SIM) cards, also known as Third Form Factor (3FF) cards, in Lok8u’s wearable GPS locator devices.

“With the support and integration of this new SIM form factor in the U.S., Lok8u and T-Mobile are breaking new ground, enabling a new category of wearable M2M devices”

Originally developed by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), the micro 3FF SIM card offers a significantly smaller footprint than traditional SIM cards. Measuring only 12mm x 15mm, which is smaller than a dime, these cards are well suited for smaller machine-to-machine (M2M) applications and ever-shrinking wearable devices, like those from Lok8u, that leverage GSM technology.

“With the support and integration of this new SIM form factor in the U.S., Lok8u and T-Mobile are breaking new ground, enabling a new category of wearable M2M devices,” said Steve Salmon, chief executive officer of Lok8u. “Our partnership with T-Mobile has been instrumental in advancing our product portfolio. We look forward to continued collaboration, resulting in the smallest and most advanced location-based products for our customers.”

“From telematics, smart meters and the remote monitoring and control of the home to finding lost children or remotely monitoring the health of a loved one, M2M applications are rapidly growing. For this reason, T-Mobile continues to invest in the development, testing and introduction of new SIM card form factors, like the micro 3FF, to directly meet the needs of these applications and enable new M2M solutions that have been hindered by traditional SIM form factors,” said John Horn, national director of M2M, T-Mobile USA. “With the addition of the micro 3FF to our M2M SIM card portfolio, which also includes our unique embedded SIM card, we significantly increase the number of M2M applications that can take advantage of T-Mobile’s strong network.”

Lok8u’s nu·m8, the world’s first GPS locator device specifically designed to be worn by children, and multi·m8, a GPS locator watch for at-risk adults, such as lone workers, seniors and hikers, will incorporate 3FF SIM cards immediately. Lok8u’s patented cell ID algorithm gives an approximate location through GSM which is then refined to 10 feet when a GPS fix is possible. This unique feature allows indoor and outdoor positioning as well as a quick approximate location. Lok8u’s products also leverage T-Mobile’s strong network infrastructure, allowing the devices to be reliably used anywhere in the U.S.

About nu·m8

Designed as a child’s watch, nu·m8 can pinpoint the location of a wearer accurately within 10 feet using a combination of cellular identification technology and GPS for quick and accurate reporting. Parents are able to set boundaries, instantly access the location of the wearer via SMS texting, or through the Lok8u Web portal. In addition, because nu·m8 is designed to ensure parents locate their children, not just the device, they receive instant notification upon forced removal of the watch.

Nu·m8, available for $179.99, is now on pre-sale at several online retailers including Amazon.com, BestBuy.com, WalMart.com, ToysRUs.com, RadioShack.com and on the Lok8u Web site (www.lok8u.com).

About multi·m8

Multi·m8 is a new GPS-enabled watch designed for consumers who participate in sports – hiking, running, cycling, climbing, and skiing – and at-risk seniors, especially those with health issues such as Alzheimer sufferers. Using a combination of patented cellular identification technology and GPS for quick and accurate reporting, multi·m8 pinpoints the location of a wearer accurately within 10 feet.

Designed as an adult watch, multi·m8 includes a messaging compatible LCD screen, panic button to summon immediate help and voice recorder. The device is available for demonstrations at Lok8u’s CES booth (North 3309) with plans for retail availability in summer 2010.

About Lok8u

The Lok8u GPS locator range has been designed, manufactured and tested over the last three years by UK location services company, Lok8u Ltd. headquartered in the United Kingdom. In addition to the USA, in 2010 Lok8u is launching in a number of countries in Europe and South Africa for the soccer world cup.

Headed by chief executive Steve Salmon, who has 15 years experience in the mobile communications and satellite navigation sectors, the engineering team also has a wealth of knowledge from their experience working for several years on military and consumer satellite applications.

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