FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- CULVER CITY, CA, November 10, 1999 -- 4Front Technologies and the X MultiMedia System team are happy to announce the release of XMMS QSound iQ plugin and a plugin writing competiton. "With the introduction of iQ for Linux, XMMS users can now experience the same Qsound MP3D enhancements available for Winamp", said Dev Mazumdar, President of 4Front Technologies. "We will be working closely with QSound labs to bring many more exciting QSound products to the Linux and the Open Sound System platform". When using iQ for Linux, MP3 and other digital audio output from XMMS is converted to full, rich 3D stereo sound. XMMS users will be able to not only enhance MP3s but also Wav audio, CD-DA, MODs and other formats. IQ for Linux utilizes QSound's 3D audio technology to stretch the sound outside the physical location of the speakers - creating an immersive virtual surround sound field. Users will be able to enhance mono and low bit-rate MP3s that are streamed over the Internet. Laptop users will also be able to get highly enhanced stereo sound with iQ for Linux. "We want to speed up the plugin making and therefor we launch a plugin competiton with nice prizes", said Olle Hällnäs, One of the XMMS staff. The rules and prizes can be found at http://www.xmms.org/comp.html ABOUT 4FRONT TECHNOLOGIES: 4Front is a privately held company with development facilities in California, Finland and Sweden. 4Front's main focus is on developing audio solutions for the UNIX and embedded Systems marketplace. Open Sound System has become the "de-facto" audio API that is now distributed with Linux and FreeBSD kernel sources and licensed by companies like SCO, Wind River Systems and endorsed by SUN Microsystems. The X Multimedia System (XMMS) project is developed under the GNU Public License (GPL) and is sponsored by 4Front Technologies. XMMS is a cross platform multimedia player that support MP3, Wave, CD, MOD, MIDI, and other digital audio and video formats. It also provides MP3 streaming playback support over the Internet and provides visual graphics synchronized to sound output. It also provides complete control over GUI layout and design. More information on XMMS is available at http://www.xmms.org Open Sound System provides a cross-platform audio API with device drivers for over 250 brand name sound cards from vendors like Creative Labs, Yamaha, Crystal Semiconductor Aureal, ESS Technologies and others. More information on Open Sound System and 4Front Technologies is available at http://www.opensound.com About QSound Labs. Inc. ----------------------- Since its inception in 1988, OSound Labs, Inc has evolved into one of the world's leading audio technology companies, specializing in SD sound placement and audio image enhancement. The Company has developed proprietary, patent-protected audio solutions that include virtual surround sound, positional audio and stereo enhancement for the consumer electronics, multi-media PC, Internet and healthcare markets. The Company's cutting-edge audio technologies create SD audio environments, allowing consumers to enjoy stereo surround sound from just two speakers. For more information, visit our Web site at http://www.qsound.com. --XX-- Copyright 1999, 4Front Technologies. All rights reserved. Open Sound System is a trade mark of 4Front Technologies XMMS and X MultiMedia System is a trade mark of 4Front Technologies QSound is a trademark of QSound Labs. Inc. Linux is a registered trade mark of Linus Torvalds UNIX is a registered trade mark of X/Open Company Ltd. All other trade marks that appear in this document are acknowledged and owned by their respective owners.