November 6, 2001
New Small, Flip-Style and Lightweight, Monolith Phones Now Available with Nextel Direct Connect(R), Speakerphone, Voice-Activated Dialing and Advanced Java(TM)Technology Capabilities for Business and Entertainment Applications
Nextel Communications Inc. (NASDAQ:NXTL) today introduced two new wireless phones equipped with state-of-the art features and applications to meet the needs of business customers on the go. The new phones, designed and manufactured by Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT), include built-in Java technology that improves the user experience by enabling customers to personalize their phones with business and entertainment applications.
The two, new phones are the Motorola i90c, the smallest flip-style phone with speakerphone in the U.S. market, and the Motorola i80s, the slimmest and most lightweight phone used on the Nextel National Network. Both phones provide secure wireless connections between the Internet-ready phones and the corporate enterprise and leverage Nextel 4-in-1 wireless services that deliver a unique mix of business communications options in one handset, including digital cellular, Nextel Direct Connect(R), Two-Way Messaging and Wireless Web services.
Today's announcement expands Nextel's Java-enabled phone line to four models, which also includes the i85s and the i50sx. Nextel was the first wireless carrier in North America to offer Java-enabled phones and leads all wireless carriers in North America in the adoption of wireless data services with 20 percent of its domestic customer base - or 1.7 million Nextel customers - using Nextel's nationwide IP data network.
"The new Nextel phones offer business customers more choices for a compact, mobile office that is available anywhere, anytime on the Nextel National Network - all through one device that fits in your pocket," said Blair Kutrow, vice president, product management at Nextel. "These phones bring together Nextel 4-in-1 wireless services with information management tools like a phonebook and datebook. Additionally, their Java capabilities extend business and personal productivity applications to mobile workers, enabling them to stay connected with colleagues and customers to get business done in or outside of the office."
Advanced Phone Features
Designed for mobile professionals and executives, as well as high-end consumers who prefer the compact design of flip-style phones, the i90c features an external screen that lets customers view Caller ID and status information, a smart key for closed-flip operation, and an internal display screen with distinctive blue backlight that supports three font sizes so users can zoom in or enlarge information on the screen.
Both the i90c and i80s phones provide a built-in speakerphone, voice-activated dialing for hands-free operation and a voice recorder for calls and memos. The phones also include an advanced phonebook that manages up to 250 contacts and datebook tools to manage calendars and alert users of business and personal meetings. Additionally, the i90c comes with musical ring tones to add more personal touch and help users distinguish their calls from others in the ever-growing world of wireless devices.
With the phones, customers can use Nextel Direct Connect, Nextel's signature digital two-way radio feature that provides instant contact with co-workers, friends, family and other Nextel customers in a calling area with the push of a button. Additionally, the phones support the full range of the Nextel Wireless Web service, which is a packet-based, wireless data offering that provides customers with instant access to business applications and services designed specifically for their industry, including content and commerce sites, search engines and portals. These business applications include an array of third party, vertical solutions that leverage Java, SMS (short message service) and Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) platforms.
Breakthrough Java Capabilities
Both phones support over-the-air application downloading that simplifies the way business and entertainment applications are delivered to customers. The capability enables users with Nextel Wireless Web service to customize their phones by downloading Java applications in much the same way that applications are downloaded to personal digital assistants (PDAs) - but without wires or additional hardware.
Additionally, the phones support network-aware applications that enable subscribers to wirelessly access information from both enterprise and public servers. These Java-powered applications combined with Nextel's nationwide, packet data network provide encrypted, secure end-to-end connections between Internet-ready phones and business systems. Nextel and its partners currently have 25 Java applications available for customers today, with approximately 100 Java applications expected to be available soon.
Compact Handsets
The i90c phone weighs 4.8 ounces and features a stylish, midnight blue body with a silver insert and a blue backlight. Its dimensions are 3.5" x 1.9" x 1.1". The i80s phone measures 5.2" x 1.9" x 1.0" and weighs only 4.2 ounces. Its slim profile and lightweight design make the i80s well suited for customers who prefer to carry their phones in a purse, jacket or pants pocket.
Nextel offers a wide selection of accessories designed to improve the convenience and performance of both the i90c and i80s. They include earpieces, headsets, batteries, carrying cases, chargers and car kits. The i80s also supports a new, affordable hands-free earpiece and microphone accessory with an integrated Nextel Direct Connect button.
The i90c is offered at a promotional price of $199.99 for new activations. The i80s is available at a promotional price of $149.99 for new activations. For more information about Nextel phones and accessories, visit Nextel's Web site at www.nextel.com, call 800-NEXTEL9, visit a company-owned Nextel Retail Store or contact a participating authorized sales representative.
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