EE Times

(06/07/2005 4:57 PM EDT)

MANHASSET, N.Y. — U.S.-based Amaru Group and its subsidiary M2B World Inc. have completed a deal with Japan IP provider United Power Co. Ltd. to distribute major entertainment content through a broadband-serviced, voice-activated set-top box.

According to the companies, the agreement reflects a breakthrough in Japan, where U.S.-based media companies have had difficulty securing such broad-scale distribution partnerships, and signifies the trend toward broadband streaming for global consumers seeking entertainment media.

United Power Co. Ltd. will offer its customers access to the set-top box, which offers voice activation, broadband streaming and the ability to use the box to monitor activities within the home when the owner is away. The box also offers a personal valet, an animated icon that recognizes the user and initiates access to features such as voice-activated e-mail retrieval, VOIP services, access to streaming content on demand and picture storage.

These features are offered in addition to traditional Internet access and are activated by attaching the set-top box to existing televisions.

M2B World Inc. (Hollywood, Calif.) has global rights to distribute the box, and plans to offer an English version in the United States by the end of 2005.