Audiovox And AT&T Announce PocketPC Phone

The new PPC 4100 is an integrated wireless PDA phone that features Windows Mobile 2003 software and an Intel XScale processor.

Audiovox Communications Corporation and AT&T Wireless announced today the PPC 4100, an integrated wireless PDA phone featuring Windows Mobile software, will be available in June 2004and showcased for the first time today at Microsoft’s Tech Ed conference in San Diego, CA. The PPC 4100 will be available for $349 after a $50 instant rebate. The unmatched combination of power,function and form makes this competitively priced “all-in-one” device one of the best values on the market today.

The device was also named a finalist for the Best of TechEd 2004 Awards conducted by Windows & .NET Magazine and SQL Server Magazine. Winners will be announced May 26th.

The PPC 4100 is a tri-band (850/1800/1900 MHZ) GSM/GPRS Pocket PC from AT&T Wireless which allows users to enjoy international roaming capabilities and experience enhanced coverage and quality services from recent AT&T Wireless network upgrades.

The PPC 4100 runs Windows Mobile 2003 software for Pocket PCs on a 400 MHz, Intel XScale technology based processor to create a powerful mobile computing experience that combines the capabilities of a PDA with integrated wireless voice and data capabilities. With 64MB RAM and 64 ROM and built-in SD/MMC expansion slot, the PPC 4100 also facilitates easy storage of and access to large files.

“The collaboration between AT&T Wireless, Microsoft and Intel has opened the door of mobile computing to a wide range of professionals looking for the latest in software and hardware innovations,” said Philip Christopher, president and CEO of Audiovox Communications Corporation.

“The new Audiovox PPC 4100 Pocket PC builds further on our joint commitment to bring mobile professionals powerful tools that help them stay productive virtually anywhere their work takes them,” said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Business Data Solutions for AT&T Wireless Services. “This all-in-one mobile device runs over the recently expanded GSM/GPRS network – which now spans approximately 1.2 million square miles in the U.S. – so customers can use the PPC 4100 in more places than ever before.”

With Windows Mobile 2003 software, the PPC 4100 delivers a great messaging and e-mail experience that enables wireless access to corporate e-mail and POP3 e-mail accounts. Using Exchange Server 2003, or AT&T Wireless alliance solutions such as GoodLink from Good Technology, enterprise customers benefit from always up-to-date e-mail synchronization. For mobile professionals, the PPC 4100 coupled with AT&T Wireless’ Office Online solution provides economical wireless access to work e-mail, calendar and contacts and the ability to receive alerts when important e-mail arrives.

“With the integration of Windows Mobile 2003 software, PPC 4100 customers benefit from a powerful and familiar wireless experience,” said Scott Horn, director of marketing for the Mobile and Embedded Devices Division at Microsoft Corp. “By offering seamless integration between voice and data functionality customers are able to stay connected and in touch while on the go.”

With Windows Mobile 2003 software, customers will benefit from enhancements to the operating system including:

• “Always-on” Data Connection. The new software enables an “always-on” wireless data connection that dramatically improves application startup.
• Windows Media Player 9. Offering an improved multimedia experience, the device supports Windows Media Audio and Video 9 Series, with improved play list management and support for Microsoft® Plus! Digital Media Edition.
• Improved SMS Integration. Inbox will look for the phone number on an incoming short message service (SMS) message in the Contacts database and display the sender’s name if there is a match. An option to call back the sender of an SMS has been added to the SMS notification screen and to Inbox. The SMS account in Inbox is now available when the radio is offline.
• Phone Mute and Volume Control. New dual volume control separates the phone’s ringer volume and the Pocket PC’s system volume so users can choose their ideal sound level.

“The PPC 4100 offers enhanced handset capabilities enabled by the Intel XScale technology, such as photo, video, and music processing, all while using less power and providing a greater degree of function,” said Mark Johnston, director of marketing for Intel’s Cellular and Handheld Group. Intel XScale processors are the next generation of ultra-low power processors with industry-leading multimedia performance for wireless clients that integrate a host of new features that make end devices compelling, entertaining and more mobile while delivering an unparalleled handheld user experience.

The new PPC 4100 will be available in retail outlets across the country in June.

It will come with an AC adaptor, USB Cradle, single ear bud headset, a leather pouch as well as a Stylus pen. For more information, please visit http://www.audiovox.com/ or http://www.attwireless.com/.