November 13, 2001
TROY Wireless, a division of TROY Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:TROY), today announced the volume production of two new low-cost Bluetooth(TM) wireless communications solutions intended for the mass market. The WindConnect(TM) Print Adapter is a compact device that enables wireless connectivity on most types of printers, while the WindPort(TM) PC Card provides a similar capability for laptop computers. At the same time, the company announced that it has completed its shipment of WindConnect units to Sony Information Technology Europe (ITE) as part of the agreement announced on July 11 of this year. TROY Wireless will be showcasing WindConnect and WindPort at booth L5142-22BLU in the Bluetooth Pavilion at COMDEX 2001.
The WindConnect and WindPort solutions together enable one of the industry's most compelling applications for wireless printing on the Bluetooth industry standard. A user can walk anywhere within ten meters (33 feet) of the printer, and simply select "File" and then "Print" from an application program. This makes these products ideal for mobile users, eliminating the need to establish a cable connection every time they want to print. In addition to printing, WindPort can also be used for a variety of other cable replacement applications. For example, the user can synchronize a PDA wirelessly and simply use a cell phone as a wireless modem.
WindPort and WindConnect include all of the hardware and software required to allow a laptop user to print without connecting a cable to the printer. They are very easy to use because they operate transparently with standard Windows(TM) 98, ME, 2000, and XP application software, such as Microsoft(TM) Word.
One key advantage of WindConnect and WindPort is interoperability. Although WindConnect and WindPort are designed to work together, they are both qualified by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group to guarantee interoperability with devices made by other companies. For example, WindConnect supports printing using any one of three different Bluetooth profiles for compatibility with the widest range of Bluetooth sending devices. It has also been thoroughly tested for compatibility with printers.
Another major advantage is the exclusive TROY Wireless Bluetooth Port Monitor, a Windows-based software that makes Bluetooth printing a one-step process. The user needs only to select "File" and "Print" from an application program. The Port Monitor software takes care of the rest. There is no need to run a separate program for device discovery, and the Port Monitor automatically breaks the connection after each print job so that other users can print.
"With the introduction of our new WindConnect and WindPort Bluetooth products, TROY will be among the first companies in the world to ship cost-effective Bluetooth solutions that have practical, everyday applications and are interoperable with Bluetooth-enabled devices made by other companies," said Patrick Dirk, Chairman and CEO of TROY Group. "We are fulfilling the promise of Bluetooth by delivering real products for real applications at affordable prices."
"Up until now," added Vane Clayton, President of TROY Wireless, "there have been many Bluetooth demonstration products, prototypes, and development initiatives, but few real production products that average users can utilize in their daily routine. TROY Wireless, on the other hand, is manufacturing production units and shipping them in volume. Combined with the 802.11b wireless innovations that we are also announcing at COMDEX, TROY Wireless now offers one of the most complete selections of short-range wireless connectivity solutions."
WindConnect's list price is $199, while WindPort is $149. A special combined version that includes one WindConnect and one WindPort is available at a list price of $329.
Bluetooth wireless technology benefits the consumer and commercial customer by greatly simplifying the printing process. With this technology, a user of a laptop computer or other mobile device can print by simply walking up to the printer and pressing a button -- no cables are required. The technology is also well suited for homes and small businesses that have more than one computer, since it eliminates the need to run cables through walls and ceilings. According to the market research company IDC, there are expected to be over 10 million Bluetooth enabled printers by the year 2004.
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