Motorola Introduces the Envoy 150 Wireless Communicator
SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — April 1, 1996 — Today, Motorola Wireless Data Group announced the Envoy 150 Wireless Communicator, a new addition to its family of wireless products aimed at the corporate mobile workforce. Motorola also announced commercial availability of connectivity solutions that allow Envoy communicator users wireless access to their Microsoft Mail and Lotus cc:Mail LAN-based e-mail systems, and the ability to update their desktop electronic calendars. In addition, Motorola is offering a software upgrade for users of the original Envoy communicator.
"The introduction of the Envoy 150 Wireless Communicator, with increased functionality for connectivity, demonstrates our commitment to providing our corporate customers with the most advanced wireless data solutions," said Bob Molnar, vice president and general manager, Subscriber Products Division. "We are responding to the needs of our customers by giving them what they have been asking for – instant wireless network connection to exchange e-mail and access information on the desktop while away from the office."
New Envoy 150 device delivers increased memory and new screen
Motorola's new Envoy 150 Wireless Communicator, based on General Magic's Magic Cap 1.5 operating platform, delivers three times the available user memory of the original Envoy device, providing users with increased performance and data storage. The device also features a new screen, which improves brightness and readability. The Optimax(tm) technology, which was developed jointly by Motorola and Polaroid, illuminates the Envoy 150 communicator screen like backlighting – without drawing any power from the battery. The liquid crystal display screen, which is enhanced by a holographic reflector, appears to have a soft green glow providing sufficient light for easy viewing. The new communicator also includes all of the features of the Envoy software upgrade announced today.
Software applications connect Envoy communicator users to their desktops
Motorola has worked closely with ARDIS, a nationwide, two-way wireless data network provider, and software companies such as River Run Software Group(r) and IntelliLink Corporation to enable Envoy users access to key applications on their desktop. Connectivity solutions for the Envoy device announced today include: o River Run's Mail on the Run! Software: Enables remote communications to LAN-based e-mail systems, including Microsoft Mail and Lotus cc:Mail. Mail on the Run! is available now from ARDIS and ARDIS resellers for existing and new Envoy communicators for as low as $ 108 for a single user license. Multiple user license packs are also available.
o IntelliLink's Magic Xchange(tm): Enables corporate mobile users to make changes to their electronic calendar on their Envoy device while away from the office and, using a cable connection, update their desktop calendar when they return. Motorola is offering this software package free with the purchase of an Envoy 150 Wireless Communicator through June 30, 1996. The software is also available for $ 99 through Envoy resellers for existing and new Envoy communicators.
Software upgrade for original Envoy device provides enhanced functionality and performance
Users of the original Envoy Wireless Communicator can upgrade to General Magic's Magic Cap(tm) 1.5 operating platform. It delivers faster performance and improved memory management to existing Envoy communicator users. The software upgrade provides the following:
o Faster start up upon activation
o Easier routine maintenance
o Greater user control of memory allocation
o Improved telephone dialing features
"With the software upgrade, I am able to access more quickly and easily the information on my device – start up and maintenance are a breeze. Not only that, but my personal productivity has dramatically increased because of the simplified scheduling feature. Motorola and General Magic continue to address our needs by improving software solutions for the device," said David Tuttleman, chairman, Kahuna Concepts, Inc.
With the upgrade, Motorola is also adding the following software applications:
o Lexicus QuickPrint(tm) Handwriting Recognition Software: Learns to recognize the user's handwriting and quickly and accurately converts it to typed text. Users do not have to learn a new script language.
o Outfitters Direct, Inc.'s Outfitters Direct: A catalog-based electronic store offers access to the newest Magic Cap software and accessories. Purchases can be made electronically by credit card and immediately downloaded to the user's Envoy device.
In addition, the following applications are available with all new purchases of the Envoy products:
o Sony(r) New Technologies' Match-It: One of six new entertainment software games in the Magic Bag Game Pack.
o Sony(r) New Technologies' Berlitz(r) Speaking Translator: A demonstration version of the six language audio phrase book that helps people communicate around the world. o Active Paper's Presto!Mail: A demonstration version of the direct Internet e-mail access software enables users to retrieve up to the first 100 lines of messages over a wireline connection.
Other applications available for the Envoy device include: RadioMail(r) two-way wireless messaging service, Intuit Pocket Quicken(r) financial management software, OAG(r) FlightLine(tm) airline flight schedule information software and AT&T PersonaLinkSM Service electronic messaging service.
Product Availability and Pricing
Motorola's Envoy Wireless Communicator and Envoy 150 Wireless Communicator are available directly through ARDIS and through ARDIS authorized resellers from $ 999 and from $ 1,299 respectively, depending on bundled options and ARDIS airtime options. For communicator reseller locations, users can call the information and dealer locator number, 800-894-7353.
The software upgrade can be obtained through Motorola. Owners of the original Envoy communicator can order a software upgrade by calling 800-934-4721. The standard software upgrade costs $ 29 and takes approximately 10 business days; an expedited upgrade costs $ 49 and takes approximately five business days. Existing Envoy users will also be able to obtain an upgrade to the Envoy 150 screen by calling Motorola at 800-934-4721.
Product information is also available via Motorola's Internet address, http://www.mot.com/wdg/, and ARDIS' Internet address, http://www.ardis.com, on the World Wide Web.
Wireless Data Group
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, manufacture and distribution of wireless data hardware and software products, infrastructure equipment and systems for worldwide markets. Motorola is one of the world's leading providers of wireless communications, semiconductors, and advanced electronics systems, components and services. Motorola's 1995 sales were $ 27 billion.
Motorola and Envoy are registered trademarks. Optimax and QuickPrint is a trademark of Motorola, Inc. ARDIS is a registered servicemark of ARDIS Company. Other names and product names may be registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies.
CONTACT:
Cheryl Beck-Ruff
Motorola
847/576-7150
or
Carolyn Thorng
Cunningham Communication, Inc.
617/494-8202