The Sharper Image Hits a High Note, Introduces beamz: Laser Light and Sound Musical Instrument
beamz'(TM) Technology Connects With Those Who Love Music,
Inspiring Them to Create Their Own Original Performances
SAN FRANCISCO--(Business Wire)--
Proving once again that innovation is the foundation of its
business, Sharper Image Corporation (Pink Sheets:SHRPQ) today
announced the exclusive introduction of the beamz(TM), a sound and
laser light musical instrument that plays original works in 19 genres
including rock, jazz, blues, reggae, country and even hip-hop. Users
can play the beamz(TM) by breaking any one of six laser beams. The
player's hands trigger the system to play streams of musical notes or
sounds. For skilled musicians or those who've never picked up an
instrument before, the beamz(TM) inspires players; enabling them to
play original music.
A recent Gallup poll found that more than half of American
households have at least one member who plays a musical instrument.
Known for showcasing visionary products, Sharper Image has tapped into
Americans' love affair with music and their thirst for increasingly
sophisticated and clever music-oriented products. "Everyone loves
music and the beamz(TM) really captures its players' musical
imaginations," says Robert Conway, CEO of The Sharper Image. "It's a
musical device that is right in line with the needs of today's
consumers, satisfying their desire for new and inventive technology,
novel products, artistic expression and inspired ingenuity."
Already being buzzed about by tech bloggers and writers, the
beamz(TM) was invented by accomplished musician, songwriter and
producer, Jerry Riopelle. Riopelle got the idea over 40 years ago when
he and his friends visited their neighborhood ice-cream store and were
greeted by a light-activated door announcer. The image, always in the
back of his mind even during his successful and high-profile producing
career, Riopelle created a prototype for the beamz(TM) in 2001 and
eventually perfected the product with the help of software engineers.
Seven years and five patents later, Riopelle has created a product
that is easy and fun to use and sparks the imagination of musicians
and people who always dreamed of being one.
"I think anyone who plays the beamz(TM) will have as much fun as I
did inventing it," says Riopelle. "It's a great product for friends
and families to use together at home, playing, laughing and creating
original performances that reflect their own lives." Riopelle says The
Sharper Image is the perfect home for the beamz(TM), "I'm excited to
have this product at The Sharper Image. It's a company that has proven
its visionary thinking through the products it carries. There couldn't
be a better retailer to showcase the beamz(TM) as an interactive
experience."
The beamz(TM) music system has three components: Interface,
Software and Music Library. The library which is the "soul" of the
system, comes with 30 songs in a variety of music categories. However,
each player-inspired performance is unique because the true number of
arrangements is unlimited. Players can also purchase more music online
at thebeamz.com. The beamz(TM) is designed to run with PCs via a USB
port and some Macintosh Pro computers running virtualization software.
The beamz(TM) is exclusively available for $599.95 at all Sharper
Image stores, online at www.sharperimage.com, and through The Sharper
Image catalog 1-800-344-4444.
About The Sharper Image
Sharper Image Corporation is a specialty retailer that is
nationally and internationally renowned as a leading source of new,
innovative, high-quality products that make life better and more
enjoyable. The Company's principal selling channels include Sharper
Image specialty stores throughout the United States; the award-winning
Sharper Image monthly catalog; and its primary web site,
www.sharperimage.com. The Company also has business-to-business sales
teams for marketing its exclusive and proprietary products for
corporate incentive and reward programs and wholesale to selected U.S.
and international retailers.
Forward Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such
forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current plans,
expectations, estimates, and projections about the specialty retail
industry and management's beliefs about the Company's future
performance. Words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends,"
"plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates" or variations of such words
and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking
statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance
and are subject to risks and uncertainties that are difficult to
predict and which may cause the Company's actual results and
performance to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in
any such forward-looking statements. Some of these risks and
uncertainties are discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended January 31, 2007 under "Risk Factors". These
risks include, among other factors, the success of its new business
strategy, its ability to continue to find or develop and to offer
attractive merchandise to customers, the market potential for products
in design, the success of its advertising efforts, changes in business
and economic conditions, risks associated with its retail store,
catalog and Internet operations, and changes in the competitive
environment in which it operates. Unless required by law, the Company
undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking
statements. However, readers should carefully review the statements
set forth in the reports, which the Company files from time to time
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, particularly its Annual
Report on Form 10-K, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and its
Current Reports on Form 8-K.
About The beamz(TM)
The beamz(TM) is the creation of beamz Interactive, a privately
held firm based in Scottsdale, Ariz. To date, the product has been
awarded five patents and more are anticipated. The beamz was invented
by Jerry Riopelle, an accomplished musician, songwriter and producer.
He has helped to create all the songs for the beamz music system,
which are original. Additional songs and an online community for beamz
fans can be found online at thebeamz.com
Hill & Knowlton SAMCOR
Cori Zywotow Rice, 305-443-5454
cori.rice@hillandknowlton.com
Copyright Business Wire 2008
