GE Dual-Mode DECT 6.0™ Wireless Handset for Skype Enables Easy Internet
and Traditional Line Calls and Conferencing
INDIANAPOLIS, September 20, 2006 – Thomson, (Euronext Paris: 18453; NYSE: TMS) the leader of telecoms solutions serving end-user needs and Skype, the global Internet communications company, are teaming up to optimize and deliver an extended family of consumer products. The initial result of the companies’ joint efforts is the GE DECT 6.0™ (Digital Enhanced Cordless Technology) Wireless Handset, Thomson’s first product with integrated Skype™ capabilities. The new device, GE Model 28300EE2, delivers high quality, interference-free signals, enabling both landline and Skype calling, as well as Internet and traditional line conferencing. The Skype Certified™ DECT Wireless Handset for Skype will be available this fall at a suggested retail price of $149.
“Now consumers can seamlessly integrate Skype Internet calling convenience into their daily lifestyle, switching effortlessly between traditional land-line and Internet calls,” said Tom Bratton, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Thomson Consumer Network Solutions. “And since the system is expandable to up to six handsets, you can now easily have cordless interference-free DECT 6.0 wireless handsets for Skype in every room of the house!”
DECT 6.0 is a powerful technology built into Thomson’s new wireless handset offerings, delivering interference free calling with exceptional voice quality. DECT 6.0 permits delivery of calls without the static, pops, hiss and buzz which severely hinder the performance of most wireless home and small office telephones. Widely used throughout Europe and Asia, DECT 6.0 solves many of the most common consumer complaints in the use of cordless telephones.
Designed for Convenience
The GE 28300EE2 features speakerphone capability built right into the handset. Its color LCD screen makes for easy viewing of colorful Skype messaging as well as regular caller IDs. The handset comes with a 100 name capacity address book, including separate call “logs” for traditional and Internet contacts. Melody ring tones permit easy sonic identification of favorite incoming callers such as friends and relatives. Hearing aid compatibility rounds out its broad appeal. The new GE DECT 6.0 Wireless Handset for Skype uses power management technology and boasts up to 120 hour standby time and 10 hour talk time.
“The fact that one of the top telephony providers in the world is offering a handset specifically designed for Skype is an incredible testimony and validation of the global popularity of Internet voice communications,” said Stefan Öberg, General Manager, Desktop and Hardware at Skype.
“The Thomson handset for Skype is as simple and familiar as a traditional phone, making it even easier for consumers to join the 113 million people already connecting with family and friends through Skype anywhere in the world for free.”
Premium Skype features, including SkypeOutTM for inexpensive international calls to traditional landlines and mobile phones, SkypeInTM to receive calls from landline or mobile phones on Skype, and Skype Voicemail will all be easily accessible through the handset.
Other key features of the GE 28300EE2 DECT 6.0 Wireless Handset for Skype include:
• PC compatibility
• Call waiting support
• Easy one-touch link for powerful wireless home networking capabilities
• No signal deterioration -- digital signal processors ensure high call quality even when multiple handsets are running simultaneously
• Voice encryption for high security
• Skype & land-line conferencing capability of up to four users simultaneously from the handset (great for bridging long-distance family and friends!)
• Comes with two handsets (and additional accessory handsets, GE 28301EE1, are available)
• USB PC connectivity and software
• Mute / hold button
• Intercom function
• Integrated Skype caller ID (and support for traditional phone company caller ID services)
• Ringer off -on switch
• Convenient four-way navigation button for screen
• Headset jack
For more information about Thomson’s new line of GE Wireless Handsets for Skype, visit www.ge.com/phones. The device will be available for purchase in the Skype store online at www.skype.com.
