Verb Exchange has completed the integration of its new CoPilot Console communications device with the vertical search product, HüPad, and has released the combined product for use to a small pre-beta test group.

We are very pleased with the successful integration and the resulting product; in simple terms, a Universal Remote Control for launching various services including VoIP phone calls, SMS messaging, general Web searches, and research and eCommerce specific searches

"We are very pleased with the successful integration and the resulting product; in simple terms, a Universal Remote Control for launching various services including VoIP phone calls, SMS messaging, general Web searches, and research and eCommerce specific searches," said Craig Goldenberger, Verb's CEO.

"In order to test the integrated product we've done a limited Alpha release to tech savvy users and have received very positive reaction. The product has exhibited definite signs of viral distribution, which will undoubtedly become a cornerstone to the successful launch of the product in the coming weeks. Although we sent out less than twenty 'Alpha' invitations, within ten days there were over one hundred people actively using CoPilot and HüPad. We received calls almost immediately from most of our Alpha users asking whether they could pass the product along to friends and relatives that could make immediate use of the innovative technology. By observing call detail records, we can see that CoPilot is being used in many countries around the globe. Calls have already been originated in the US, Canada, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan, Singapore, Mexico, St. Martin, UK, France, Italy, and Venezuela, with outgoing calls going to nearly fifty countries. So we think we've hit a nerve."

"We are currently finalizing some graphic interfaces and user friendly enhancements and remain on schedule for our final 'invitation only' beta launch next week, followed by a full beta through the holidays and a formal launch early in the New Year."

CoPilot Console is Verb's proprietary desktop based application that allows end users to place phone calls over the internet without the need for any specific hardware, effectively allowing users to make cheaper long distance calls without a VoIP device (phone or gateway). CoPilot Console eliminates the need to carry extra devices when traveling, allowing the end user to capitalize on the cost effectiveness of VoIP while still utilizing their cell phone, or indeed, any existing land line, anywhere in the world. CoPilot Console also allows the user to send SMS (Short Message Service) text messages from their desktop.