digital publishing is one of Europe's leading producers of interactive multimedia language-learning software, with over four million users worldwide. The companies have agreed to partner to add portability and ease of use to proven interactive language-learning techniques via a new generation of cutting-edge handhelds.

Franklin expects to release the first in its MG series language-learning platforms this fall. The company, pioneer in the handheld world, has pulled out all of the stops in the development of its latest line of handheld devices by

• improving the user's viewing experience with a new 2.5 inch TFT color display,
• providing audio and mp3 playback,
• allowing for SD memory card expansion and USB PC connectivity,
• including TV output to allow the user to view the dp English-language-learning course on the screen of any standard television set.

All these features are offered at a suggested retail price under $250.

"The thirst for knowledge of languages is extensive; there are nearly as many people learning English today as already speak it! In China alone there are 300 million people studying English, which approximates the entire US population", said Barry J. Lipsky, Franklin's president and CEO.

"Our partnership with digital publishing is an important step in our commitment to move from language-learning aids like dictionaries to full language-learning solutions. They already have a proven interactive architecture that meets this objective on a PC screen. Now it's about learning any place, anywhere, at any time and through this partnership, Franklin can now fulfill that vision."

"digital publishing is pleased to assist Franklin in creating their new MG series language-learning platform based on the same technology and content that powers Europe's leading range of language-learning software", said Jörg Koberling, Chief Executive Officer of digital publishing. "This partnership is another significant stride in our mission to provide language training at any time on every mobile device to students worldwide."

The new line of Franklin handheld language-learning devices for learners of English as a foreign language is intended to be distributed worldwide to native speakers of European and Asian languages. For learners of English as a second language, Franklin's handheld language-learning devices are meant to be distributed to native speakers of Spanish. The financial terms of Franklin's and dp's agreement have not been disclosed.