LAS VEGAS-Last week’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas saw Motorola Inc. introduce a number of wireless products, including a satellite phone and devices to make accessing the Internet easier, while manufacturer L.M. Ericsson introduced several handset accessories.
Motorola’s new V. Series phones are Web-ready, digital and, according to the company, the world’s smallest and lightest. The V8160 uses Code Division Multiple Access at 800 MHz, while the V8162 uses CDMA at 1900 MHz and can automatically switch to an 800 MHz analog system if digital service is not available in the area.
Both phones include a microbrowser to enable Internet access with the touch of a couple of buttons and weigh as little as 3 ounces while providing up to 150 minutes of talk time and 125 hours of standby time.
With an optional software package called Starfish TrueSync, consumers can download names and phone numbers into the phones from many popular desktop personal information managers. Motorola expects the phones to be in stores during the first half of the year.
Covering all the wireless phone bases, Motorola also introduced the 9505 Satellite Series phone for use with Iridium L.L.C.’s satellite system. The company claims the new phone is the world’s smallest flexible multimode satellite phone available, at 23-percent smaller and 17-percent lighter than previous models.
The phone uses optional Satellite Series cellular cassettes that support both satellite and cellular service and allow consumers a choice of 21 languages for user prompts. A headset jack and auxiliary magnetic antenna are included with the new phone in addition to the company’s Starfish TrueSync software.
Not leaving the paging industry untouched, Motorola introduced three new devices that allow users to access information from the Internet.
The T350 word message pager can send word messages via the Internet or telephone. The messages are accessible on a one-line scrolling display that can be stopped and reversed at any point in the message.
The T900 can send messages to one-way pagers, to and from two-way pagers and to any e-mail account. Motorola said T900 users can request and receive customized information from the Internet via their wireless carrier.
The Timeport P935 is a two-way device that allows users to send messages to one-way pagers, to and from two-way pagers and e-mail accounts, and receive information from the Internet.
The P935 allows users to “e-connect” with corporate or personal databases wirelessly to request and receive information from the Web. The inclusion of an infrared compatible port allows users to transfer, receive and exchange schedule and contact information from compatible products more easily, according to the company.
Ericsson
Ericsson’s MP3 player enables digital files to be downloaded to a MultiMedia Card from a personal computer with audio-compatible CD readers. The card plugs into the Ericsson MP3 player and the player attaches to the bottom of the handset. It channels incoming calls and music, muting the music automatically if a call comes in.
Ericsson’s Chatboard is a 49-key snap-on miniature keyboard that enables faster and easier composition of short messages and e-mails. It is compatible with Ericsson’s Global System for Mobile communication handsets.
Ericsson’s HPR-08 converts a GSM phone into a mono FM radio. The snap-on receiver scans for available stations and feeds the radio channel to a corded earpiece and microphone, allowing the user to switch to call mode. The radio mutes automatically.
