ArialPhone Corp. Calls Upon Hello Direct to Support Nationwide Sales of New Voice-Enabled, Wireless Earset Communications Device.

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

VERNON HILLS, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 22, 2001

Distribution Agreement Brings New Category of Wireless

Communication Product to the Nation's Leading Telephony Outlet

ArialPhone Corp., a Vernon Hills supplier of wearable, wireless communication systems and voice-enabling software, today announced the formation of a distribution agreement with San Jose, Calif.-based Hello Direct(R) Inc., a leading developer and direct marketer of desktop telephony and equipment interface products.

The agreement calls for Hello Direct to offer ArialPhone Corp.'s new wearable, wireless earset phone through its popular Internet sales channels and distinctive print catalogs.

"The relationship with ArialPhone gives Hello Direct's customers access to an entirely new category of telecommunications product that will make them more productive in a small office or home office setting," said Matt McDowell, director of product marketing for Hello Direct. "With voice recognition and PC access capabilities, ArialPhone clearly represents one of the most exciting new telephony products to come along in years. We are pleased to be the primary distribution partner that ArialPhone has chosen to bring its product to market."

Called ArialPhone, the new device will be available from Hello Direct upon its release in July 2001. It weighs approximately one ounce and offers a convenient, hands-free approach to phone calling. ArialPhone fits comfortably over the user's ear and features an innovative design that combines voice recognition with wireless technology. Users can walk freely throughout their homes or offices, placing and receiving telephone calls solely through voice commands.

ArialPhone Capitalizes on Hello Direct's SOHO Market Strengths

Because it is a productivity tool, ArialPhone is ideal for independent professionals or "free agents" who work in a small office/home office (SOHO) environment. The SOHO professionals that make up ArialPhone Corp.'s target market represent 39 million Americans, or 16 percent of the nation's population. Hello Direct already serves this rapidly growing market with a variety of products.

"By providing SOHO customers with easy access to the best in communications technology, Hello Direct has become the leading telephony outlet in the U.S. today," said Jim Alland, CEO of ArialPhone Corp. "That's why this agreement is strategic to our success. Not only will ArialPhone be able to take part in a world-class direct marketing program, but we'll also be able to leverage Hello Direct's extensive reach to build brand name recognition at a critical phase in our growth."

About Hello Direct

As a leading developer and business-to-business direct marketer, Hello Direct offers desktop telephony and equipment interface solutions including headsets, audio and video conferencing, wireless and related desktop products. Through a combination of distinctive catalogs, outbound telemarketing, and Internet sales channels, the company offers a broad selection of communications products. For more information on Hello Direct Inc., visit www.hellodirect.com.

Hello Direct Inc.'s parent company is GN Netcom, a world leader in hands-free communications technologies and a part of GN Great Nordic Group, a Danish-based group of companies traded on the Copenhagen Stock Exchange (Reuters:GNTC.CO; Bloomberg:TELN DC) and the London Stock Exchange.

About ArialPhone Corp.

ArialPhone Corp., launched in January 2001, is a provider of wireless earset communications devices and voice-enabling software applications. The company's first product, ArialPhone, combines wireless and voice recognition technology in a sleek compact earset design that improves standard telephone calling processes. Future ArialPhone applications will enable Internet calling, voice control of digital entertainment and other home automation functions, such as changing TV channels; recording TV programs; controlling digital music players, set top boxes and cable modems; and even turning lights off and on. Privately held, ArialPhone Corp. is headquartered near Chicago in Vernon Hills. For more information, visit www.arialphone.com, or contact the company's headquarters at 3 Hawthorn Parkway, Vernon Hills, Ill. 60061. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]. E-mail: [e-mail].

ArialPhone and ArialPhone Corp. are trademarks of ArialPhone Corp.