For immediate release (Calgary, AB Canada)
February 16, 1999

Zi Corporation (TSE: ZIC; NASDAQ: ZICAF) ("Zi") assisted its strategic partner, Ericsson Mobile Communications AB, at the introduction of its new Chinese language technology for mobile phones. The Ericsson Technology Announcement was held in conjunction with a press conference at the China World Hotel in Beijing on February 3, 1999. Representatives of industry, government, and the media were in attendance.

The Ericsson Chinese language technology for mobile phones, which incorporates the Zi 8 Input system, allows people to input Chinese text into applications such as phonebook and short messaging using the keypad on the phone. Zi 8 Input is simple to learn and easy to use, and can help to promote the adoption of new technology by the consumer market in China. Since Zi 8 Input supports three input methods -- stroke/component, Pinyin and Bopomofo -- it offers a complete solution for both the novice and the expert.

The formal part of the program at the Technology Announcement featured a briefing on the new Ericsson Chinese language technology and a demonstration of the Zi enabled Chinese language functions on a mobile phone simulator. Following the introduction, a joint Ericsson-Zi team staffed a number of demonstration areas to allow attendees at the event to try the Chinese text input on a mobile phone simulator.

"During 1998 China was the largest single market for Ericsson", said Bo Albertson, Marketing Director, PR & Information. "By incorporating Zi technology into mobile phones for China, Ericsson intends to maintain its leadership position in this market".

"Zi is pleased to see its technology ready for the consumer market in China" said Michael E. Lobsinger, Chairman and CEO of Zi Corporation. "Ericsson is the first Zi strategic partner to introduce Zi technology to the mass market. Zi technology is the first Chinese text input system to be certified for conformance to national standards for stroke order and character components."

Zi Corporation’s corporate goal is to make modern electronic technology more accessible to people in a way that is consistent with their language and culture. By connecting technology to language, Zi Corporation brings language processing to the mass market for devices such as mobile phones, set-top boxes, computers and other information appliances.

NEITHER THE TORONTO STOCK EXCHANGE NOR NASDAQ HAVE APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Zi Corporation	Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
Carol Kim	Bo Albertson
Manager, Investor/Media Relations	Marketing Director, PR & Information
+1 403 233-8875	+ 46 8 764 1388 or + 46 70 510 0992
Web site: http://www.zicorp.com/	mobile.ericsson.com