AskKinjo - News & Media Releases

AskKinjo now automatically detects the location of TELUS and Koodo subscribers to provide faster, more accurate information about local services

Committed to a safe and easy mobile search service
Company committed to voice activated and audio delivered information
Toronto, Canada – May 1, 2009. AskKinjo Inc., AskKinjo Inc., Canada’s first provider of free and personalized location-based services (LBS) in audio format, continues to expand its #KINJO service in the Greater Toronto Area with features that make it even easier to use for people on the go.

AskKinjo now automatically detects the location of TELUS and Koodo subscribers to provide faster, more accurate information about local services Committed to a safe and easy mobile search service Toronto, Canada – February 26, 2009. AskKinjo Inc., Canada’s first provider of free and personalized location-based services (LBS) in audio format, continues to expand its #KINJO service in the Greater Toronto Area with features that make it even easier to use for people on the go. Mobile phone users who subscribe to TELUS and Koodo wireless services will no longer have to state their location verbally when they dial #KINJO to access AskKinjo’s services. AskKinjo has supplemented its speech recognition system with an automated location feature. Automated location is now available immediately to all Bell, Solo, TELUS and Koodo users. A location-based BlackBerry application is also under beta testing and will be released through App World very shortly. It will provide automated location finding and dialling on most BlackBerry phones with GPS. A similar application is already available for the iPhone.

About AskKinjo: AskKinjo was founded in 2006 to deliver a superior customer experience to users in search of relevant location-based information services, and to provide a new channel for advertisers to reach a mobile audience. The company’s patent-pending technology platform integrates context-based advertisements with value-added location-based services delivered free of charge to users. Upon dialling #KINJO, opt-in users are presented with an interactive audio advertisement tied directly to their interests, information request, time and geographical location. Once the ad is heard, the user can listen to the requested content. AskKinjo overcomes the many issues hampering the embryonic mobile-advertising industry, such as little free content, costly platform dependence, difficult human interfaces and privacy concerns.

AskKinjo now automatically detects your location to provide faster, more accurate information about local services
Company committed to voice activated and audio delivered information
Toronto, Canada – February 26, 2009. AskKinjo Inc., Canada’s first provider of free and personalized location-based services (LBS) in audio format, continues to expand its service in the Greater Toronto Area with features that make it even easier to use for people on the go.

Mobile phone users who subscribe to Bell Mobility,TELUS, Koodo and Solo will no longer have to state their location verbally when they dial #KINJO to access AskKinjo’s services. AskKinjo has supplemented its speech recognition system with an automated location feature. Automated location is available immediately for Bell and Solo users; while TELUS and Koodo users will enjoy this feature by March. [Read the full Press Release]

AskKinjo has released its #KINJO iPhone Application for a better and faster service
Toronto, Canada – February 2, 2008. AskKinjo, a leading provider of voice-enabled search services, has released another new feature for its #KINJO service. The free #KINJO iPhone application is on App Store. Search for “kinjo” over the air or click here to download the new application from the iTunes Store. Our free application is enabling quick dialling to the #KINJO service and automated location finding, removing the need for the user to state a location verbally. It works with GPS (outdoors) and Wi-Fi (indoors). You will be asked twice to approve of being located and then it won't ask again. If no location can be fetched, the system will revert to asking you your location. Save time and money with #KINJO! Any day at any time for free, right on your mobile phone.

Update: If you downloaded the “#KINJO” or “ask KINJO” application from the App Store prior to February 12, delete it from your iPhone and click here to download the new application, still free, from the iTunes Store. Or look for “kinjo” from your iPhone App Store.

Give me an excuse to eat Fast Food and I’ll take it - New “Information on the Go” from AskKinjo
Toronto, Canada - December 11, 2008. AskKinjo, a leading provider of voice-enabled search services, has released another new feature for its #KINJO service. Any day at any time for free, users can easily find the nearest fast food restaurants right on their mobile phone. It's simple and it's free; just dial #KINJO from a mobile phone, ask for FAST FOOD from the main menu and indulge. Rogers and Fido users dial 647-476-6468 until further notice. Registered users can define their favourite fast food chain on their anonymous profile for an even better and faster #KINJO service.

Get your Favourite Coffee and Fast. - New “Information on the Go" from AskKinjo
Toronto, Canada – October 27, 2008 -- AskKinjo, a leading provider of voice-enabled search services, has released another new feature for its #KINJO service. Any day at any time for free, users can find the nearest coffee shops right on their mobile phone. It's simple and it's free; just dial #KINJO from a mobile phone, ask for COFFEE from the main menu and enjoy your sip. Rogers and Fido users dial 647-476-6468 until further notice. Registered users can define their favourite brand on their anonymous profile for an even better and faster #KINJO service.

AskKinjo launches Canada’s first cell-phone service to quickly find closest gas, get traffic updates, other information.
Easy, convenient and free: Dial #KINJO to ease hectic workday headaches

Toronto, Canada – September 23, 2008 - AskKinjo Inc., Canada’s first provider of free and personalized location-based services (LBS) in audio format, today launched its local mobile search service in the Greater Toronto Area, offering mobile phone users a new and convenient way to find information they need while on the go. [click to read full release]

Taking its name from the Japanese word for neighbourhood, AskKinjo’s unique technology platform uses a geo-coded system to provide users with the information they need in their vicinity, updated in real-time. The interface is an easy-to-use automated-speech-recognition system (ASR), complemented by text messaging that allows for safe and convenient hands-free use while driving. There are no subscription costs, no data plans, no downloads or system configurations, and the service works with any wireless device regardless of carrier, features or phone functionality. The privacy and security of personal information is ensured thanks to anonymous profiles, separate databases, an extensive validation process and opt-in only setup.

“Everything we do is centred around where you are and who you are to help you save time, money and take the stress out of a busy day,” said AskKinjo CEO Stéphane Attal. “Nothing else provides such customized, relevant and current content to the individual mobile user on demand. And best of all, it’s free and easy to use. The only cost to users is the fees they normally incur to use their mobile phones.”

Simply by dialing #KINJO (#54656), users can access a range of location-relevant services, such as the nearest gas station, or the station with the cheapest gas within five kilometres. An additional feature, called “Tomorrow’s Gas Price Today,” provides the next day’s forecast price of gasoline and diesel every weekday after 5 p.m. This allows drivers to make a more informed purchasing decision and cut fuel costs.

“This service can save drivers a bundle when global events cause volatile fuel prices, such as the rash of hurricanes that have interrupted oil production in the Gulf of Mexico and sent prices at the pump soaring and plunging in the past two weeks,” said Attal.

Dialing #KINJO can also provide mobile phone users with personalized updates on traffic and road conditions along their specific commuting routes. Users can also find the ATMs or parking lots closest to them, saving them the hassle of driving aimlessly around the block.

Additional location-based services for coffee shops, convenience food, restaurants, bars and nightclubs will roll out over the next few weeks.

Users pay nothing for AskKinjo’s services. During the 10 to 12 seconds while their information is being retrieved, they hear a short audio advertisement they can act on, if desired, to take advantage of special promotional offers or to visit the advertiser’s nearest location.

There are no strings attached to dialing #KINJO and taking advantage of the local mobile search services at any time of day for free. However, by registering and creating a free profile at www.AskKinjo.com/register.html, users obtain personalized information, a much faster user interface and more relevant ads. For example, registered users can find a specific brand of product in their vicinity, such as a gas station for which they have a rewards card, or a particular coffee chain, and traffic reports for their regular commuting route.

AskKinjo’s business model is much like television programming, interspersed with commercials. Its revenue comes from the advertisers who pay to run their short audio spots.

“In addition to the ease and convenience for the user, our platform provides a vast new opportunity for advertisers looking to take advantage of an advertising market that’s set to explode,” added Attal. The U.S. mobile advertising market is estimated to grow from around $350 million in 2007 to more than $4 billion by 2011, according to research firm IDC.

AskKinjo has launched its mobile search service in the Greater Toronto Area as the first phase of an aggressive expansion strategy for the North American market that will unfold over the next several years. At present, the service is available in the Greater Toronto Area, a coverage zone that ranges from Whitby to Burlington and from Lake Ontario to Lake Simcoe.

AskKinjo has secured partnerships with major content providers and the wireless carriers Virgin, Bell Mobility and TELUS; it hopes to add Rogers Wireless in the near future. At present, Rogers and Fido subscribers can access the service by dialing 647-476-6468 in the Greater Toronto Area.

About AskKinjo
AskKinjo was founded in 2006 to deliver a superior customer experience to users in search of relevant location-based information services, and to provide a new channel for advertisers to reach a mobile audience. The company’s patent-pending technology platform integrates context-based advertisements with value-added location-based services delivered free of charge to users. Upon dialing #KINJO, opt-in users are presented with an interactive audio advertisement tied directly to their interests, information request, time and geographical location. Once the ad is heard, the user can listen to the requested content. AskKinjo overcomes the many issues hampering the embryonic mobile-advertising industry, such as little free content, costly platform dependence, difficult human interfaces and privacy concerns.

Media and analysts contact:
Leo Valiquette
inmedia Public Relations Inc.
Tel: 613 234 7227 x226
Email: lvaliquette@inmedia.com

Fast Facts PDF

Technical Background PDF

Executive Biographies PDF

Corporate Background PDF

Stop driving aimlessly for ATMs and Parking Spaces. - New “Information on the Go" from AskKinjo
Toronto, Canada - September 14, 2008. AskKinjo, a leading provider of voice-enabled search services, has released two new features for its #KINJO service. Any day at any time for free, users can find the nearest ATMs for any bank or just their own. They can also get the parking lot closest to them, right on their mobile phone. It's simple and it's free; just dial #KINJO from a mobile phone, ask for ATM or PARKING from the main menu and enjoy your savings. Rogers and Fido users dial 647-476-6468 until further notice.

About AskKinjo: AskKinjo is an off-deck, location-relevant search and content provider in audio format uniquely integrating location-based advertisements with value-added location-based services. AskKinjo overcomes the many issues that are hampering the embryonic mobile advertising industry. These issues currently include little free content, costly platform dependence, difficult human interfaces, privacy infringement concerns, and advertising viewed as an obtrusive nuisance by users.

Tomorrow’s Gas Price Today - New “Information on the Go" from AskKinjo
Toronto, Canada - August 26, 2008. AskKinjo, a leading provider of voice-enabled search services, has released Tomorrow's Gas Price Today, a new feature for its #KINJO service. Every week-day after 5:00 pm, mobile phone users can learn, for free, the forecasted price of gasoline and diesel for the next day. Thus they can make an informed decision about filling their gas tank today or tomorrow. It's simple and it's free; just dial #KINJO from a mobile phone, select GAS from the menu and enjoy your savings. Rogers, Fido and Virgin users dial 647-476-6468 until further notice. Users will also notice that before 5:00 pm, they will hear the average price of gasoline or diesel for the day; thus they can compare with the price from the stations they requested.

These new features are the results of AskKinjo’s cooperation with Dan McTeague, MP who has spent years studying gasoline pricing. His work has given him the knowledge to predict tomorrow's price of gas with considerable accuracy to help consumers make an informed choice about when to buy fuel.

About Dan McTeague: Dan was first elected in 1993 and currently represents the riding of Pickering-Scarborough East. As a long time advocate for the consumer, Dan McTeague has spent the last 12 years studying gasoline pricing. His work has given him the knowledge to predict tomorrow's price of gas with considerable accuracy. He posts these predictions to his website, www.mcteague.ca to help consumers make an informed choice about when to buy fuel. His website also contains information about the gasoline market and why prices are the way they are.

AskKinjo is live within the Greater Toronto Area.
Toronto, Canada - July 20, 2008. AskKinjo went live today within the Greater Toronto Area. You can dial #KINJO and get the answers you need from Whitby to Burlington and from Lake Ontario to Lake Simcoe; categories currently include nearest gas stations, gas prices and real-time traffic information.