October 27, 2009 08:15 ET

Asurion Mobile Applications Launches First Infinitely Expandable Socially Connected Address Book for Android-Based Phones

Free Asurion Mobile AddressBook Fuses Social Network Content With Contacts, Utilizes Open Framework for Limitless Feature Advancements

SAN MATEO, CA--(Marketwire - October 27, 2009) - Asurion Mobile Applications, the leading provider of people-centric mobile applications, today announced the availability of Asurion Mobile AddressBook, a powerful new application that marries a user's mobile address book with social content and services. The technology goes beyond simple social network aggregation by providing easy customization and added intelligence to cut through the social media chatter and improve communications. Users can add content from leading social sites, including Facebook®, Twitter™, YouTube™ and Flickr™, directly into their address book and tailor the types of updates they want from the contacts they want.

Asurion Mobile AddressBook is the first socially connected application of its kind to utilize an open framework, allowing developers to continuously add new features and functionality to the application. With the open platform, developers can easily turn their existing applications into "MixIns" which add valuable content and services right into the address book, continuously expanding the choice of features users can add. The application is available as a free download for all Android-based phone owners and is white-label ready for mobile operators and handset manufacturers.

"Asurion Mobile AddressBook reinvigorates the social media experience," said Steve Pretre, general manager for Asurion Mobile Applications. "People are becoming bombarded with a never-ending flow of information from social networks. With AddressBook, users can separate the most meaningful information from social media 'chatter' to stay more connected with the people who matter most. Plus, users now have quick and simple access to the mobile services they desire, all from a central location."

Key features of Asurion Mobile AddressBook include:

--  MixIns -- gives users a choice of the content and services they want
    to build to get a complete view of their relationships and drive their
    personal communications. Social networking feeds, photos, videos, games and
    more can be added directly into the contact views of the address book.
--  Smart Contacts -- allows contacts in the address book to be turned
    into mini-applications, giving users quick access to the services and
    information they need when on the go, such as directory assistance, local
    search, reservations and customer service.
--  Instant Notifications -- enables users to view updates from all of
    their social networks even before they open their address book via the
    Android notification screen. Users can customize the frequency and content
    of alerts to include different types of updates, from new photos on
    Facebook to new followers on Twitter.
--  Simple interface -- allows users to communicate with the contacts in
    their mobile phone from one place, with one touch, any way they choose.
    Users can tap to call, comment, text, tweet, post, email, IM or update
    their status, for example.
    

"Asurion Mobile AddressBook is a huge time saver," said Michelle Johnson, beta user. "I can get social media updates really quickly from my most important personal and business contacts without having to launch a dozen applications and weed through lots of data. It's a one stop shop for all my interactions. Best of all, with the new and constantly updated MixIn features, the application will grow with my social media needs."

Availability

Asurion Mobile AddressBook is available now and free of charge for any Android-powered phone. To download the application, go to: http://www.getaddressbook.com. AddressBook is also available for download at the Android Market.

About Asurion Mobile Applications

Asurion Mobile Applications (AMA) is the leading provider of people-centric mobile applications that connect users with the information they need, driving deeper relationships. AMA technologies are specifically designed for consumers that want smart, convenient and user-friendly mobile communications. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in San Mateo, CA, AMA is a privately held and wholly owned business unit of Asurion, Inc., the global leader in technology protection services. Millions of "on the go" users have experienced AMA's next-generation technologies though carrier-branded solutions and direct to consumer sales, strengthening their connections to the people and information that matters most. For additional information about AMA, visit www.asurionmobile.com.

About Asurion

Asurion is the leading provider of enhanced services to the wireless industry. Asurion's success is built on a foundation of shared values with clients -- quality service, relationships, integrity, and financial strength. Offerings include Roadside Assistance Services, Handset Insurance Services, Warranty Management and Equipment Maintenance Services, Debt Protection, and Mobile Applications. Asurion serves millions of customers through its relationships with leading wireless carriers in North America and Asia. For additional information about Asurion, visit www.asurion.com.