Motorola Announces Commercial Availability of Envoy Wireless Communicator
SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — February 14, 1995 — Motorola's Wireless Data Group today announced that the Envoy(R) Wireless Communicator, which began shipping in the U.S. to distributors in late December of 1994, is now available nationally in select reseller and distributor locations. The Envoy Wireless Communicator, which is based on General Magic's Magic Cap(TM) platform and Telescript(TM) communications language, is a portable communications tool for mobile professionals, which is extremely powerful yet simple to use.
"Since we began shipping in December, industry response to the Envoy product has been tremendous and sales have been strong," said Rick Lane, general manager of the Wireless Data Group's Personal Communicator product organization. "The Envoy Wireless Communicator is changing the way mobile professionals communicate by allowing them to manage business from remote locations and dramatically increase their productivity."
The Envoy Wireless Communicator is currently available at the following reseller and distributor locations (respective headquarters noted below):
— Totally Wireless (San Jose, CA)
— DCC Inc. (Minneapolis, MN)
— PanaPacific (Campbell, CA) Distributor
— Rockwell Computer (New York City, NY)
— Oak Brook Computer Center (Oak Brook, IL)
— Fourth Dimension Industries (Holbrook, NY)
— PageCom (Dallas, TX)
— J & R Computer (New York City, NY)
— Dynatek Communications (Warminster, PA) Distributor
— Verns Electronics (Boca Raton, FL)
— Wireless Telecomm*, Inc./WTI (Aurora, CO)
Motorola's Wireless Data Group works closely with select resellers, distributors, VARs, system integrators and specialty retailers that are interested in providing users with the highest-quality wireless solutions and support. Initially, Motorola will limit the number of organizations distributing the Envoy device and focus its efforts on ensuring maximum product sell-through and user satisfaction.
Wireless Communicator Increases Productivity, Flexibility
The Envoy Wireless Communicator allows mobile professionals to instantly access, communicate and organize information while on-the-go. Designed for both business and personal use, the Envoy Wireless Communicator integrates two-way nationwide wireless, wireline and infrared communications onto a single portable communications device.
The Envoy Wireless Communicator is an all-in-one tool for those who need to stay in touch and organized while away from their desk.
The Envoy device:
— can send and receive messages to any of over 20 million e-mail-enabled users.
— communicates with millions of existing products and services including pagers, fax machines, desktop computers and on-line services.
— helps manage life's complexities — tracks appointments, files name cards and captures expenses.
Integrated Wireless Delivers Instant Access and Response
The Envoy Wireless Communicator features a built-in two-way wireless packet data modem that allows users to send and receive messages and information at their convenience.
The Envoy Wireless Communicator also includes a fax and data modem, allowing information to be communicated through any telephone network. Through its combination of wireless and wireline modems, in addition to infrared for local area communications, the Envoy product offers the most versatile communications capabilities on the market today.
To augment its functionality, Motorola's Envoy Wireless Communicator also features two PCMCIA Type II slots that allow users to simultaneously operate third-party software applications and add memory to store more data. About the size of a paperback book and easily stored in a briefcase or purse, the Envoy Wireless Communicator weighs 1.7 lbs. and measures 7.6 x 5.8 x 1.2 inches.
Complete Suite of Built-in Software
The Envoy Wireless Communicator comes bundled with software to connect users to two communications services: AT&T PersonaLink(SM) Services; and RadioMail(TM), connected via the ARDIS(R) nationwide wireless data communications network. ARDIS services more than 90 percent of the business areas in the U.S., including 400 metropolitan areas, which encompass 10,700 cities and towns.
AT&T PersonaLink
AT&T PersonaLink Services is an electronic community where people can send and receive messages, gather news and information — even shop. PersonaLink is the first on-line service to incorporate (Telescript) electronic "intelligent assistants," which empower subscribers with unprecedented control over their communications. Subscribers can program the intelligent assistants to do tasks such as sort, prioritize and forward electronic mail to virtually any e-mail service, including the Internet.
PersonaLink offers subscribers cost and convenience options with a robust on-line service that will fully integrate wireless and wireline communications. To be introduced in the second quarter this year, AT&T's PersonaLink wireless service, scheduled for introduction this year, will be a nationwide radio packet data service with automatic roaming, full end-to-end encryption (for enhanced security) and wireless access to the user's electronic mailbox. Also available during the second quarter will be AT&T Market Square(SM) plaza, an electronic shopping service offering products such as clothing, flowers, computer equipment and collectibles.
RadioMail
RadioMail allows wireless messages and information to reach Envoy communicators in all locations where ARDIS service is available. This service enables users to wirelessly communicate with a broad population of electronic mail users via the Internet and commercial public mail systems, delivering access to a global network of more than 20 million people.
The Envoy Wireless Communicator also features built-in software which allows access to available services from America Online(R) and Official Airline Guides (OAG(R) FlightLine(TM) Service. America Online allows users to receive stock quotes and communicate with electronic mail users. The OAG FlightLine Service offers air travelers direct access to timely flight information. The Envoy Wireless Communicator also comes with Intuit's Pocket Quicken(TM), an application that allows users to manage personal finances.
Motorola is working with multiple independent software developers that have created a variety of applications and services for the Envoy communicator. More than 15 applications, ranging from spreadsheets to desktop connectivity kits, are available. Motorola and General Magic will continue to work with independent software developers to create more applications and services for the Envoy device.
Pricing, Distribution and Availability
Although pricing is ultimately the responsibility of the reseller, the street price of the Envoy device is likely to range from $1,000 to $1,500, depending upon the solution bundle users choose to purchase from the distribution channel. Accessories available for the Envoy communicator include carrying cases, a travel and a rapid charger, and replacement parts such as batteries, power adapter and stylus. Motorola makes it convenient for customers to purchase additional products and services through the Motorola Software and Accessories Catalog, packaged with each communicator.
For general information about Motorola's wireless solutions and other Envoy communicator reseller locations, users can call the information and dealer locator number, 1-800-8WIRELESS. Motorola's address on the Internet's World Wide Web (WWW) is http://www.mot.com/ The Envoy device will be supported by Envoy communicator retailers as well as Motorola's HelpDesk.
Family of Wireless Communicators
Earlier this year at MacWorld Expo, Motorola also announced and shipped its Marco(R) Wireless Communicator in the U.S. Motorola's Marco device is based on Apple's Newton(R) operating platform. Both Envoy and Marco Wireless Communicators integrate computer and two-way wireless technologies into a new category of product and represent the industry's first family of wireless communicator solutions.
Motorola's devices currently support the ARDIS wireless data network. Future versions of the communicators may run on other networks, such as Motorola's DataTAC 5000(TM) and DataTAC 6000(TM) systems (throughout Asia and Europe respectively), RAM Mobile Data, Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD), Motorola's ReFLEX and InFLEXION systems and the Motorola Integrated Radio System (MIRS) service providers. Motorola will base its plans for future network support on customer feedback.
The Wireless Data Group is part of Motorola's Messaging, Information and Media Sector and incorporates the company's business activities involved with the design, manufacturing and distribution of wireless data products, infrastructure equipment and systems for worldwide markets. Motorola is one of the world's leading providers of wireless communications, semiconductors and advanced electronic systems and services. Sales in 1994 were $22.2 billion.
NOTE: Motorola, Envoy and Marco are registered trademarks of Motorola, Inc. Magic Cap and Telescript are trademarks of General Magic, Inc. PersonaLink and Market Square are service marks of AT&T. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
CONTACT:
Cheryl Beck-Ruff of Motorola, 708-576-7150;
or
Karen Magill of Cunningham Communication, Inc., 617-494-8202