Received a press release this morning from Torridon PLC (UK), they are developing a new low cost internet connectivity platform named Chameleon, one of the first products based on this platform will be of interest to digital photographers, the FlashMailer is a simple device which will accept flash memory cards direct from your digital camera and automatically upload them (ftp) to your favourite photosharing site (or by email) without the need for a computer.

The FlashMailer has a small monochrome LCD which can be used select the images you wish to upload, you can specify for them to be sent by FTP or E-Mail and set image reduction / JPEG quality reduction settings for quicker uploads.

Still in the early pre-production stages Torridon are currently looking for manufacturing partners to develop the product further and we could well see it on shelves next year. Torridon expect the product to retail for £100 (US$150).

Press release:

Torridon Launch of Independent Digital Camera Mailing

CHAMELEON PLATFORM

Torridon plc ("Torridon"), the EASDAQ listed designer, developer and licenser of media connectivity products, today announces that it is launching its "Chameleon" platform. The first product utilising this platform is FlashMailerTM.

FlashMailerTM allows users of digital cameras to make their photographs immediately available on the Internet without the use of a PC. FlashMailerTM connects to a photo storage web site and uploads new photographs directly onto the web site from a flash memory card. FlashMailerTM allows greater freedom as the normal upload process requires use of an Internet connected PC. Photo sharing across the Internet is one of the key advantages of digital photography and FlashMailerTM significantly simplifies the process of making images available on the web. Consumers can send e-mail postcards from wherever they are, away from their home PC. For photographers, journalists, designers, field sales and insurance assessors it offers fast transfer of images wherever the user is. Torridon is talking to possible licensees regarding this product.
In addition to FlashMailerTM the Chameleon platform will allow the rapid introduction of a number of other low cost Internet connectivity products during 2001. These will take the form of low cost portable devices that will provide the user with information access through the Internet without the use of a PC.

Market information relating to proposed FlashMailerTM:

"Sales of low end digital cameras in Europe and worldwide are booming (according to independent market research). Sales of digital cameras below £600 will outstrip film cameras (excluding disposable cameras) over the next 5 years as they soar to an annual growth rate of 55%. According to the report, sales of these digital cameras will increase rapidly from over 3.8 million to almost 19 million units by 2005 in Europe alone. Over the same period sales of cameras below £120 will reach 10 million units. Market research indicates the main factor for growth in the European point and shoot digital camera market is that users want to share images over the Internet."

Mark Doughty, CEO of Torridon, said:

"The FlashMailer product is the first in a range of products in the form of reference designs. Each of the end products will be portable and easy to use, allowing Internet connectivity in new and emerging markets not currently being exploited."

For further details:

• Isabel Petre, Buchanan Communications +44 (207) 466 5000
• David Flack, Group Marketing Manager, Torridon plc +44 (1793) 854332
• Mark Doughty, CEO Torridon plc +44 (131) 451 1111