CounterPath Corp (fka CPAH)

[otterman]

CounterPath Converges Voice, Messaging and Now Video Into a Single Mobile Application

Wednesday, January 04, 2012

Addition of Live Video Calling Offers Apple iOS and Android Users a Communications Package Unlike Any Other


VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- CounterPath Corporation (TSX-V: CCV) (OTCBB: CPAH) will debut live video calling across its range of Bria mobile softphone applications at this year's ShowStoppers event (booth F17) on Tuesday evening Jan. 10 during the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The company's converged application delivers on an industry's promise to consumers and businesses that want a single, unified communications service that goes beyond basic voice and messaging features.

The new video calling feature will be included across CounterPath's entire suite of Bria mobile softphone applications including Bria iPhone, iPad and Android editions. CounterPath plans to have the video calling feature for Bria iPhone/iPod Touch edition available globally this month, with the iPad and Android editions to quickly follow in February.

"In a world where social networking and real-time, anytime, anywhere communication has become the norm, mobile video use continues to outpace all other features. We believe 2012 is finally the year where video calling transitions from the 'whatever app' to the 'got to have it app,'" said Todd Carothers, SVP of Marketing and Products at CounterPath.

"Mobile devices are getting more powerful processors, connecting over faster networks and running more content-rich applications than a year ago. People are using these various applications available to them that result in a fragmented user experience," Carothers continued. "Video calling, like voice calling and texting, is the next logical step in the evolution to a single application and platform that is network and device agnostic. Landline or mobile phone, desktop or tablet computer ? no technical or geographical boundaries should exist when communicating. Our entire Bria softphone suite complements that."

While video calling has been available from others, CounterPath's Bria softphone application goes beyond offers from competitors. Based on the SIP and H.264 standards, Bria mobile seamlessly combines voice, instant messaging and presence, and now video into a single application that can be easily and quickly downloaded to a mobile device. By adding video to Bria mobile for smartphones and tablets seamlessly interacting with the video capabilities on CounterPath's existing desktop and web softphones, video is now truly available to more people, anyplace, across any network and on many more devices.

As CounterPath has kept ahead of the market in delivering converged communications services, its introduction of mobile video calling aligns more closely with the acceptance and use of video communications by customers and with mobile operators' network investments. The success of Apple's FaceTime and other proprietary applications has already demonstrated consumer demand. By featuring high-quality, standards-based video calling with its feature-rich softphone, CounterPath continues to lead the industry by introducing competitive new offers focused on interoperability across all devices, operating systems and networks.

Analyst firm MobileSQUARED stated nearly three-quarters of global mobile operators are using, deploying, trialing or planning to deploy Long Term Evolution (LTE), which can better handle "network heavy" features like mobile video calling. CounterPath's addition of video calling is closely aligned with network operators' deployment of 4G LTE networks and expansion of Wi-Fi hotspots. Sometimes referred to as "Over the Top" or OTT services, CounterPath's video calling offer meets the need of customers who are enjoying faster and more capable networks fueled by 4G LTE deployments.

"Anyone using Bria today for voice calling can immediately make video calls between users and connect to video conferencing systems and bridges as long as they are connected to the Internet," said Jon Arnold, principal analyst, J. Arnold & Associates.

CounterPath leverages years of experience in desktop softphone applications to create a carrier-grade mobile application giving mobile and wireline network operators an opportunity to compete with the OTT rivals by offering a powerful softphone endpoint. Additionally, by working with key partners, CounterPath is in a unique position to help create a truly competitive solution for service providers at a time when voice revenues are decreasing and alternative opportunities for growth are being sought.

Key video features include:

Video calling across both Wi-Fi or 3G/4G (mobile data network)
H.264 CODEC support
Support for two quality settings:
(1) Lower: QCIF (Quarter Common Intermediate Format - 176 pixels by 144 lines)
(2) Higher: CIF (Common Intermediate Format - 352 pixels x 288 lines)
For more information on Bria mobile applications, please visit http://www.counterpath.com/softphone-products.html.

About CounterPath

CounterPath Corporation is an award-winning provider of innovative desktop and mobile VoIP software products and solutions. The company's product suite includes SIP-based softphones, server applications and Fixed Mobile Convergence (FMC) solutions that enable service providers, enterprises and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) to cost-effectively integrate voice, video, presence and Instant Messaging (IM) applications into their VoIP offerings and extend functionality across both fixed and mobile networks.

CounterPath's customers include some of the world's largest telecommunications service providers and network equipment providers including AT&T, Verizon, BT (British Telecommunications PLC), Mobilkom Austria, Avaya, BroadSoft, Cisco Systems, GENBAND, Metaswitch Networks and Mitel.

For more information please visit www.counterpath.com.

Disclaimer: Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.



SOURCE CounterPath

For further information: CONTACT: CounterPath Media and Analyst Relations, Sue Huss, [phone], [e-mail]

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/news-sources/?date=20120104&archive=prnews&slug=NY29400