Air Communications introduces next generation cellular data fax phone.SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 5, 1995--Air Communications Inc., a pioneer of cellular data technology and communications devices Typically refers to a terminal used to send voice, video or text. Mobile phones, wireless PDAs and personal computers equipped with microphones, speakers and cameras are all considered communications devices. See modem. , today introduced the new AirCommunicator, an innovative hand-held cellular data fax phone that forges a new category of wireless devices. This small, value-driven product offers convenience in an all in one solution that acts as an extension of the user's desktop. It delivers unmatched, integrated wireless connectivity and functionality, bringing the flexibility of fax, voice mail and voice communications to users without the need for a computer. It also uses a serial port connection to any PC, Macintosh, notebook or PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) A handheld computer for managing contacts, appointments and tasks. It typically includes a name and address database, calendar, to-do list and note taker, which are the functions in a personal information manager (see PIM). to complete e-mail and remote access operations. AirCommunicator answers the needs of a broad range of users who require remote access to information. While there are an estimated one million mobile data subscribers in the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. today, that number is expected to grow to 9.9 million subscribers by the year 2000(a). Today's mobile professionals are juggling an unwieldy assortment of devices aimed at keeping them in touch with their businesses and families. The new AirCommunicator is targeted at this market segment, which makes up approximately 47 percent of the growing market for mobile data users. In addition, many of today's 28 million cellular voice subscribers will be looking to upgrade to add data communications data communications, application of telecommunications technology to the problem of transmitting data, especially to, from, or between computers. In popular usage, it is said that data communications make it possible for one computer to "talk" with another. capabilities(b) over the next five years. "The new AirCommunicator ushers in a new level of convenience for people on the move," said Dan Seale, president and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. of Air Communications. "We've pioneered a product that works as a fully-featured data communications tool -- in essence replicating the user's desktop environment. It is the first wireless product to reliably send, receive and store faxes, all without attaching to a computing computing - computer device, so it is ideal for the large number of mobile professionals who don't carry a portable computer." Features The new AirCommunicator will be offered in two different versions, the Lite and the Executive. The two models offer users different levels of message and fax storage capacity. Talk, data transmission and standby standby Medtalk adjective Referring to the immediate availability of a certain specialist–anesthesiologist, surgeon, who can be deployed in a medical emergency. Cf Concurrent. time also vary, and the two versions feature different types of rechargeable batteries A rechargeable battery, also known as a storage battery, is a group of two or more secondary cells. These batteries can be restored to full charge by the application of electrical energy. -- Ni-Cad, Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) A rechargeable battery technology that has approximately 30-50% more charge per pound than nickel cadmium. Introduced in the early 1990s, it uses nickel and metal hydride plates with potassium hydroxide as the electrolyte. and Lithium Ion A rechargeable battery technology introduced in 1991 that provides greater charge per pound than nickel metal hydride. In 1993, Toshiba introduced the first notebook in the U.S. with a Li-ion battery. -- each providing a technical match to the varying usage patterns of Air's target markets. In addition, the executive comes with the AirDock, a state-of-the-art charging station, complete with speaker and microphone for hands-free operation of the AirCommunicator. For example, the user can simply hook up the unit to the vehicle's cigarette lighter to conserve battery power and recharge re·charge tr.v. re·charged, re·charg·ing, re·charg·es To charge again, especially to reenergize a storage battery. re while driving, or utilize the RJ-11 jack for landline Land based. Refers to standard telephone and data communications systems that use in-ground and telephone pole cables in contrast to wireless cellular and satellite services. capability in a hotel room. A key differentiator for the product is its ability to both send and receive faxes without the need for a computer. Current products on the market don't offer the same functionality or flexibility. Users can store frequently used faxes, such as directions or inventory forms, on their AirCommunicator and send them directly from the device without plugging in to a computer. Another advantage is that users can receive and store faxes while on the road, and later view or print them either by sending the fax to a nearby fax machine or using standard fax software on a computer. "The ability to receive faxes is what sets this product apart from competitive solutions," said Andy Seybold, publisher of Andy Seybold's Outlook on Mobile Communications and Computing. "The most frequently used type of data transmission is facsimile, with e-mail, file transfer and dial-up connections making up the remainder. The need to access these forms of data don't change just because a person is on the road. With AirCommunicator, users have that access and can count on it to work reliably." -0- Features include: Feature AirCommunicator Lite AirCommunicator Executive Digital Answering 2.7 minutes message 16 minutes message Machine storage storage Fax Storage 6 pages 37 pages Talk Time 90 minutes 100 minutes Data Transmission 50 minutes 60 minutes Time Standby Time 8 hours 9 hours Battery Type Nickel-Cadmium (NiCad) Lithium Ion (rechargeable) Phone Weight 11.9 ounces 9.9 ounces AirDock Not included Included Data and Fax 14.4K Baud 14.4K Baud Performance-0- Software The new AirCommunicator includes bundled software (1) Applications that are included with new hardware. For example, a new PC often comes with several applications, many of which may be light versions or full versions with no limit on usage. Others may be only 60- or 90-day trial packages. See bundle. that enables users to better monitor and manage their communications: -- AirController reports continuous on-line status such as connection rate, throughput and cellular event status. It also allows users to set advanced preferences such as minimum signal conditions and maximum error levels, achieving the most efficient use of cellular airtime air·time n. 1. The time during which a radio or television station is broadcasting. Also called airspace. 2. The time at which a radio or television program is broadcast. . A user-friendly interface on the device or on the computer screen helps users manage their mobile data communications. -- Auto Phone Updater provides users with easy remote wireless access to software upgrades, including the latest in modem firmware A category of memory chips that hold their content without electrical power. Firmware includes flash, ROM, PROM, EPROM and EEPROM technologies. When holding program instructions, firmware can be thought of as "hard software." See flash memory, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM and FOTA. , to add new features and functionality to the AirCommunicator. The device never becomes obsolete. Users simply call in to a specified number to download the upgrade wirelessly -- there's no need for a computer or to visit a service center. Underlying Technology AirCommunicator's unmatched performance and reliability is derived from its state-of-the-art underlying technology, AirTrue. AirTrue leverages the existing AMPs cellular network to provide ubiquitous access, high throughput rates Throughput rate is an obsolete term[1] in the terminology of automated chemical analysis. It may mean either:
1. ^ International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. "throughput rate". for data (14.4K and higher), and ease of use. In addition, because AirTrue integrates radio frequency (RF) and modem technologies, it achieves significantly higher first time connect rates of 94 percent -- far exceeding those of its nearest competitors. It also allow users to connect to any modem at any time without the need for special host-end technology, dramatically reducing or eliminating implementation costs. Pricing and Availability The AirCommunicator Lite and Executive models will be available in September 1995 with street pricing expected to start $695. About Air Communications Air Communications Inc., headquartered in Santa Clara Santa Clara, city, Cuba Santa Clara (sän`tä klä`rä), city (1994 est. pop. 217,000), capital of Villa Clara prov., central Cuba. , Calif., was founded in 1992 to be the global leader in providing innovative mobile connectivity solutions that meet the needs of today's users. To achieve its vision, the company has pioneered its AirTrue cellular data technology, and has integrated the technology into its family of AirCommunicator products. Air Communications' products are sold through cellular carriers and mobile communications dealers nationwide. For further information on the company, call 800-AIR DATA. -0- (a) Source: BIS Strategic Decisions, March 1995 (b) Source: The Yankee Group (the Yankee Group, Boston, MA, www.yankeegroup.com) A major market research, analysis and consulting firm founded in 1970 by Howard Anderson. It provides general consulting and strategic planning in the computer and communications field. , 1994 Note to Editors: Air Communications, AirCommunicator, AirController and AirTrue are trademarks of Air Communications Inc. Please contact The Benjamin Group Inc. for photography related to this announcement. CONTACT: Air Communications Inc. Arthur Gutch, 408/749-9883 or The Benjamin Group Inc. Leigh Pesqueira/Anne Hohenberger, 408/559-6090, X311/327 |
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