Eastman Kodak Company and T-Mobile USA Inc., which operates the largest carrier owned Wi-Fi (802.11b) wireless broadband network in the United States, today announced an agreement to simplify online picture sharing using Wi-Fi outside of the home or office. Owners of the new KODAK EASYSHARE-ONE digital camera will have integrated access to T-Mobile HotSpot service, available at more than 5,000 convenient locations across the U.S.
All EASYSHARE-ONE camera purchasers will initially receive a free, camera-specific T-Mobile HotSpot trial (terms to be determined). T-Mobile HotSpot subscription plans will be available for the EASYSHARE-ONE camera beginning later this year (pricing and other terms to be determined).
The EASYSHARE-ONE camera gives people extraordinary control over how and when they share pictures, whether on the LCD screen, online, or as prints. The camera is truly first-of-its-kind, with direct picture e-mailing and online album viewing via a Wi-Fi connection through compatible networks; the ability to hold up to 1,500 favorite pictures for instant display on its high-resolution, 3-inch touch screen; and the capability to take high quality still pictures and video. No other digital camera gives people such extensive ability to take, organize, share and print their pictures.
The camera (US$599 MSRP; US$99 for optional KODAK Wi-Fi card) will begin reaching select retailers this June. An internal software update, permitting direct connections via the T-Mobile HotSpot Wi-Fi service, may be downloaded to the camera in the third quarter of 2005. EASYSHARE-ONE camera owners will enjoy high-speed, wireless broadband access at T-Mobile HotSpot locations for sharing and viewing their pictures online after subscribing to the T-Mobile HotSpot service.
T-Mobile HotSpot service is available in more than 5,000 public access locations, including Starbucks coffeehouses, Borders Books and Music, FedEx Kinko’s Office and Print Centers, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, Red Roof Inns, airports and select American Airlines Admirals Clubs, Delta Air Lines Crown Rooms, United Airlines Red Carpet Clubs and US Airways Clubs.
“T-Mobile continues to be the leading choice for consumers who want the latest wireless communication products and services,” said Joe Sims, vice president and general manager, T-Mobile HotSpot. “With access to Wi-Fi at more than 5,000 T-Mobile HotSpot locations, KODAK EASYSHARE-ONE camera owners will enjoy being able to quickly and conveniently share pictures with friends, family or business associates.”
“The opportunities that wireless imaging affords are endless. It enables instant sharing to keep people connected, while also providing better ways to share an irreplaceable form of social currency, the picture,” said Pierre Schaeffer, director of business strategy, Digital & Film Imaging Systems, Eastman Kodak Company. “Being able to e-mail and view pictures ‘on the go’ from an EASYSHARE-ONE camera at thousands of T-Mobile HotSpot locations highlights how we’re giving people the freedom to share anytime, anywhere.”
