ePods, Inc. Selects Google as Official Search Engine For All-In-One Internet Appliance

ePods is Key Component of Google’s Global Initiative to Move Beyond the Desktop

SEATTLE, WA and MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. – May 17, 2000 – ePods, Inc.™, a leading innovator in the Internet appliance category with the introduction of the ePodsOne™, today announced a strategic partnership with Google, Inc., one of the fastest growing search engines on the web. Google will be the official search engine of choice for users of ePods.com and the ePodsOne, reflecting a key component of the company’s global initiative to feature its award-winning search technology on an entirely new class of Internet connected appliances and wireless devices.

ePods users can now search the web with Google’s simple and easy-to-use search technology that delivers fast and highly relevant search results. Ideal for the ePodsOne, Google’s high performance search engine features a clean interface that loads and returns search results quickly. Google is based on a variety of innovative technologies that include its advanced, patent-pending technology called PageRank™, which ensures that the most important results always come up first.

"We are committed to bringing the Google search engine to web users all over the world, regardless of the device they use to connect to the Internet," said Sergey Brin, Co-Founder and President of Google. "To achieve this, we must integrate our technology with devices such as the ePodsOne, that are truly changing the way people access and use the Internet."

Made available for ordering today, the ePodsOne features one-touch access to the web via a portable device that conveniently brings users to a functional and tailored online experience. Through this agreement, ePods will feature the Google search engine within the ePods.com personalized portal, allowing access to ePodsOne users from any room of the house. Results will be displayed in a format that retains the look and feel of the ePods.com website providing for a comfortable search experience that supports ePods’ commitment of ease of use for all.

"Google’s clean, uncluttered interface and extensive search capabilities complement the user-friendly partnerships we have assembled," said Shae Hong, co-founder and CEO of ePods. "ePodsOne users can expect easy-to-use, relevant utilities and resources that help them quickly access the information they want, regardless of their level of experience with the Internet."

About ePods, Inc.

ePods is a leading innovator in consumer-focused Internet access devices. The company’s flagship product is the ePodsOne, an "All-in-One Internet Experience"™ combining a portable, Windows powered device; local dial-up service and a dynamic, fully functional website. Founded in 1999, the Seattle-based company employs more than 120 employees. For more information, visit www.ePods.com.

About Google Inc.

Google Inc. exists to provide the best Internet search experience, and accomplishes this for millions of users daily by delivering a powerful, fast, and easy-to-use search service for finding the most relevant information. Google has received numerous industry awards for its technological innovations, including "Best Search Engine on the Internet" from Yahoo! Internet Life. Google recently was ranked No. 1 in user satisfaction and loyalty in a leading independent research firm’s Search & Portal Site Tracking Study, with 97 percent of users surveyed indicating they would recommend Google to a friend. A growing number of companies, including Netscape and The Washington Post, rely on Google to power search on their websites. A privately held company based in Mountain View, Calif., Google’s investors include Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and Sequoia Capital. For the information you need, visit www.google.com.

Contacts:

Laura Moix, ePods, Inc.
(206) 902-4122
lmoix@epods.com

Brent Jones or Joe Gurriere, MWW/Savitt
(206) 689-8505
bjones@mww.com or jgurriere@mww.com

David Krane, Google
(650) 930-3596
dkrane@google.com

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