LYRIQ Crosswords Offered with Microsoft WinPad; LYRIQ Crosswords Provides Handheld Users a Fun Way to Learn Pen Computing

May 16, 1994 — LYRIQ International announced today an agreement with Microsoft Corp. to ship LYRIQ Crosswords(TM) in the release of the Microsoft At Work Handheld system, code named WinPad, and Windows for Pen Computing 2.0 both expected later this year.

LYRIQ Crosswords has received critical acclaim for its ease of use, design excellence, and its quality and depth of puzzle offerings. These attributes, which have made LYRIQ Crosswords the top-rated and top-selling game in its category, build on the strength and usability of Microsoft’s WinPad to provide a truly unique experience for the puzzle solver.

“We are excited to be providing Microsoft with crossword puzzles for their handheld operating system,” said Randy Hujar, president of LYRIQ International. “Users get the best of all worlds with LYRIQ Crosswords on WinPad. They retain the pen on paper action they are comfortable with, and pick up new features such as instant hints, double clues, and others which provide a new twist to playing crosswords. Because of this relationship, WinPad users will get the chance to try and enjoy computer crosswords.”

LYRIQ Crosswords was introduced in 1993 for Windows and Windows for Pen operating systems. It features quality crossword puzzles drawn from such respected sources as The Washington Post Magazine, Crossword Magazine, and Penny Press and written by top authors like Mel Rosen and Eric Albert. The program offers puzzles at a variety of difficult levels, and exclusive LYRIQ features such as on-screen hints and eye-friendly zoom mode that makes computer crosswords an exciting new experience. One out of every five adults regularly play crosswords, making them one of the most popular pastimes in the country.

LYRIQ is committed to being the standard for computer crosswords. Ongoing efforts will continue to make this technology available on all Windows platforms, from handhelds to desktops. In addition, LYRIQ intends to provide a broad variety of top quality crossword puzzles from different sources for different tastes and abilities. Additional puzzles can currently be obtained through LYRIQ’s Puzzle Paks. Each provides 50-75 new crosswords and targets specific users, such as the Crosswords for Kids Pak which builds vocabulary and spelling skills. Future distribution will allow users to obtain puzzles from on-line services, or join the LYRIQ Crossword Club and automatically receive 25 new puzzles each month delivered to the users home or electronic mailbox.

“We believe LYRIQ Crosswords will bring the same learning benefits to pen users that Solitaire furnished the novice mouse users,” said Bruce Baker, general manager of Handheld Systems at Microsoft, “The sophisticated entertainment LYRIQ’s product provides will appeal to all users.”

LYRIQ Crosswords is available for Windows, DOS, or Macintosh through independent distributors, software specialty chains, mail order outlets, and through direct mail. Ordering information and Puzzler Paks are available directly from LYRIQ International Corp. by calling 1-800-CROSSWORDS.

LYRIQ International Corp. develops and publishes educational and entertainment products, including The Princeton Review Computer Diagnostic Exams for students preparing for the SAT, GRE, LSAT, and GMAT.

Microsoft and MS-DOS are registered trademarks and Microsoft At Work and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corp. LYRIQ and LYRIQ Crosswords are registered trademarks of LYRIQ International Corp.

CONTACT:
LYRIQ International Corp., Chesire
Mandy Fogle, 203/250-2070 or 203/250-2072 (fax)