The Firefly phone is designed for the smaller hands of kids aged eight to 12 years old. With just five keys instead of a regular dial pad, parents use a PIN to program up to 22 outgoing numbers into the phone, including speed-dial keys for Mom and Dad. The patented phone lights up like a firefly when in use and intermittently when in standby mode. It is about the size of a small pocket calculator and weighs two ounces. The Firefly phone is currently available through select regional wireless operators, and will be offered nationwide at www.fireflymobile.com in May, 2005. In July, 2005 Firefly phones with a Firefly branded, pay-as-you-go/pre-paid calling plan will be available through Target stores nationwide.
Firefly phones help eliminate the hesitation many parents feel about handing their younger children an “adult” mobile phone that lacks the control features that parents need. Firefly phones feature a variety of parental controls, including the ability to pre-program outgoing numbers and optionally only receive calls from an approved list of incoming numbers. Mom, Dad and Phone Book keys allow kids to make one-touch calls, ensuring they are always just one key away from mom and dad. A 911 emergency button with accidental call protection connects the phone directly with emergency assistance.
The Firefly phone includes a variety of innovative features that provide parents with peace of mind, and kids with fun:
— Just five keys to place most calls
— “Mom” and “Dad” speed-dial keys
— Parent-programmed, PIN-protected phone list with a 20-name capacity
— 911 button for emergency calls, with accidental call prevention feature
— Optional call screening
— Caller ID
— Interchangeable translucent shells
— Hook for backpack clip (included with phone)
— Firefly Fireworks(TM) light display, which illuminates when the phone rings, but also flashes intermittently whenever the phone is on
— 12 ring tones
— 7 screen colors
— 5 animations
— Battery charger
Specifications:
— Weight: 2.12 oz.
— Size: 3.46″ x 1.73″ x 0.79″
— Talk time: Up to 6 hours
— Standby time: 205 hours
— Mhz: GSM 850/1900 (introducing 900/1800 Mhz version later in 2005 in response to strong levels of interest in Africa, Asia, Australia/New Zealand and Europe)
— Antenna: Internal
— Battery: Rechargeable, non-removable lithium ion battery
— Language: English or Spanish
Firefly Mobile also offers a fun, brightly colored array of accessories for the Firefly phone, which allow kids to personalize their phone to fit their personality. Accessories include:
— transparent colored shells
— patterned shells
— glow-in-the-dark skin
— lanyard
— mesh carrying pouch
— wristlet carrying purse
— hands-free headset
— travel and vehicle chargers
Pricing and Availability
The Firefly phone is currently available in the southeast through SunCom (www.suncom.com), and will be offered through Cincinnati Bell (www.cincinnatibell.com) on March 18, 2005. In May 2005, the phone will be available nationwide at www.fireflymobile.com for $99.95, including 30-minutes of Firefly Mobile pre-paid airtime. In July 2005, Firefly phones with a Firefly branded, pay-as-you-go/pre-paid calling plan will be available nationwide through Target stores. Depending upon the retail outlet, pay-as-you-go/pre-paid and/or contract calling plans are available. The retail price of the handset varies from carrier to carrier and retailer to retailer depending upon the service plan chosen.
