iCON USB modem adds wireless broadband to Pioneer’s new car navigation system

LEUVEN, Belgium – June 17 2010 – Option (Euronext: OPTI; OTC: OPNVY), the wireless technology company, today announced that Pioneer Corporation has selected Option as its trusted partner for a second wireless project in the Japanese market. Option’s new iCON® wireless USB modem will add broadband connectivity to Pioneer latest car navigation systems. An iCON USB modem, a SIM card and a data plan from SoftBank Mobile network are provided with each new car navigation system. The wireless car navigation solution will become available as of July and will be sold in retail shops across Japan.

The addition of the wireless solution based on the iCON USB modem gives the users of the car navigation systems (AVIC-T07, AVIC-T05 and AVIC-T05-S) access to real-time information available from Pioneer services including information on traffic congestion, nearby gas stations and fuel prices along the route, parking information, weather forecast for the selected destination, notification of parking space availability ( sent five minutes before arrival), pick-up assist and location based event information provided by Yahoo! Japan.

This project demonstrates Option’s ability to offer, through its expertise in connectivity software and integration support, customized solutions and professional services to the OEM/ODM market, resulting in certification acceptance from SoftBank. Building on the successful experience with the first wireless car navigation system mid 2008, this is the second project where Pioneer and SoftBank decided to work with Option on the new generation of wireless car navigation systems.

Based in Japan, Pioneer Corporation is a leading global manufacturer of consumer- and business-use electronics products such as audio, video and car electronics. The Mobile Entertainment Business group is working to expand the frontiers of in-car entertainment by fusing audiovisual entertainment and car navigation systems using the latest technological innovations.

Option’s new slim iCON USB modem fits perfectly into Pioneer’s new car navigation system. The small, lightweight HSPA USB device is specifically developed and aimed at the automotive and navigation systems sector.