19 December 2006
Beaverton, Ore. – VTech Communications, Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of VTech Holdings Ltd. SEHK: 303; London SE: VTH; ADR: VTKHY), one of the largest suppliers of corded and cordless phones in North America, today announced the ip8300 infoPhone™, an Internet-enabled cordless landline telephone that offers a convenient way to check e-mail, news, sports, weather and horoscopes, all without turning on a computer. The new ip8300 phone is also one of VTech’s first North American products to feature the Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) 6.0 technology, which delivers excellent sound quality, extended range and improved security.
In addition, VTech is rounding out its information-enabled product line-up with the wf6972 Wi-Fi landline phone that uses 802.11 wireless technology to connect to a computer via wireless router for direct-to-handset content delivery, along with standard voice communication. Combined with the infoPhone, VTech’s new information line is transforming the functionality of cordless landline handsets with the latest technology for Internet and wireless content delivery.
“Our new ip8300 infoPhone integrates real-time Internet-based information into a sleek, innovative cordless handset that enables users to chat on instant messenger, access and send e-mail and check weather,” said Matt Ramage, vice president of product management, VTech Communications, Inc. “The convenience of having instant information updates anywhere in the home eliminates the need to be tethered to a computer.”
Information at Your Fingertips
The new ip8300 infoPhone uses the Internet to access information directly on the cordless handset’s color LCD screen, including news headlines, weather reports, horoscopes, local directory search and more. The infoPhone has a dedicated key for one-touch access to personalized, valuable information – sports fans can see the latest scores for their favorite team and busy parents can easily check the local weather before dressing the kids for school. The ip8300 bypasses the need for a computer to get these updates since it is connected to the Internet via a dedicated connection in the phone system’s base station.
Constant Access to E-mail and Instant Messenger
Email users can stay in touch with friends and family using the infoPhone’s ability to send and receive both e-mails and instant messages directly from their cordless handset without relying on a computer. Using the innovative features on the ip8300, users can sign-in to their accounts for quick access to e-mail communications, instant messages and buddy list updates
Casabi Partnership for Information Delivery and Optimization
VTech has partnered with Casabi to provide an easy-to-use network-based interface for access to Internet information and services from the phone. Casabi also provides an online web portal that enables users to choose and organize the information to be sent to the handset. The Casabi portal also can be used to personalize the phone with ring tones and wallpapers for each member of the family. Upon login on the infoPhone, the user’s preferences are automatically updated on the handset.
“Casabi’s software enables VTech to bring consumers real-time content and services directly to the cordless handset in an easy-to-use intuitive interface,” said Dave Weinstein, vice president of marketing and business development at Casabi. “VTech’s track record in design and innovation made the company the perfect partner for the technology.”
New DECT 6.0 Technology
The new ip8300 uses DECT 6.0 technology, which operates on the 1.9 GHz frequency. Though newly approved in the United States, this frequency has been used for many years in Europe and greatly increases call clarity and security. The Wi-Fi friendly DECT technology easily integrates into homes with Internet and Wi-Fi services, because the 1.9 GHz frequency is not used by other wireless technologies.
Wi-Fi Calling and Information Delivery
VTech’s wf6972 802.11 Wi-Fi phone system comes with software that allows the handset to receive information wirelessly from the PC. Using 802.11 technology, users can wirelessly access news headlines, sports scores and weather updates directly on the cordless handset in addition to standard landline capabilities.
Product Availability
The new VTech information-enabled phones will be on display at the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, January 8 – 11, 2007 in the Florentine Ballroom at Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino. The new VTech phones can be purchased at major retail outlets and online at www.vtechphones.com in Spring 2007.
DECT Phone Models
| Model | Key Features | Price |
| ip8300 |
|
US$129.95 |
| ip831 |
|
US$49.95 |
Wi-Fi Phone Models
| Model | Key Features | Price |
| wf6972 |
|
US$179.95 |
| wf6909 |
|
US$79.95 |
About VTech
VTech is one of the world’s largest suppliers of corded and cordless telephones and a leading supplier of electronic learning products. It also provides highly sought-after contract manufacturing services. Founded in 1976, the Group’s mission is to be the most cost-effective designer and manufacturer of innovative, high-quality consumer electronics products and to distribute them to markets worldwide in the most efficient manner.
For further information on VTech and its array of products, please visit www.vtechphones.com.
