Business Editors & High-Tech Writers
VERNON HILLS, ILL.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 12, 2001
Ultralife Polymer Rechargeable Battery Achieves ArialPhone's
Requirements for High Capacity in a Sleek, Lightweight Design
ArialPhone(TM) Corp., a Vernon Hills, Ill. provider of wireless telephone communications devices and voice-enabling software, today announced the selection of Ultralife Batteries Inc. (Nasdaq:ULBI) as the battery supplier for ArialPhone, a new voice-activated wireless communications product that the company will release next month.
Ultralife Batteries, based in Newark, N.Y., is engaged in a long-term contract that involves the design and manufacture of a custom, polymer rechargeable battery for ArialPhone. This battery will be used to power the one-ounce ArialPhone earset, which fits comfortably over the user's ear to provide a convenient, hands-free approach to phone calling.
"Ultralife Polymer(TM) enables companies such as ArialPhone Corp. to introduce innovative new wireless technologies in formats and performance levels otherwise unattainable," said Eric Dix, vice president and general manager of Ultralife Batteries. "We have worked closely with ArialPhone to develop and produce a custom polymer battery that delivers high capacity in their very compact package. Even including our battery, the entire earset weighs just over an ounce -- an achievement that is sure to contribute to the success of this very innovative telephone communications product."
Top-Quality Communications for "Free Agents"
ArialPhone is designed to make phone calling more efficient for busy consumers, such as small office/home office professionals or "free agents" who rely heavily on telecommunications. The prime advantage ArialPhone offers over other wireless products is its capability to simultaneously access both the telephone and personal computer through a wearable, hands-free earset, which is controlled entirely by voice commands. The device delivers top-quality, digital communications within a 150-foot range -- even through walls. Productivity and efficiency gains are realized because the user is able to perform automated contact management functions, such as voice dialing by name, while moving about the home or office.
Two-Battery Base Station Design Provides Unlimited "Talk Time"
In addition to the battery-operated earset, the ArialPhone system also includes a base station and voice-enabling software. The base station design is the key behind ArialPhone's ability to offer unlimited "talk time" to customers: it features two charging slots for two separate batteries, which means there will always be a fully charged battery available for the earset. If the battery runs low during a phone conversation, the earset will generate an alert. The phone connection will be held while the user replaces the battery in a simple exchange process that takes only seconds.
Each Ultralife Polymer battery provides a "talk time" of two to three hours, with a recharge time of approximately two hours and a standby time of four to five days. Reliability is assured, with protective circuitry designed into the batteries as part of further customization efforts by Ultralife.
"As one of the first companies to have successfully commercialized polymer, Ultralife is truly at the forefront of battery technology," said Jim Alland, CEO and co-founder of ArialPhone Corp. "By leveraging this emerging technology through our valuable partnership with Ultralife, we have been able to produce a telephony product that delivers a whole new level of convenience and productivity to the marketplace."
About Ultralife Batteries Inc.
Ultralife Batteries Inc., a global battery solutions specialist for diverse applications, is the world's leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of the widest range of standard and customized lithium primary and polymer rechargeable batteries. Through its range of standard products and leading world-class ability to customize for a wide range of applications, Ultralife Batteries Inc. today provides next-generation battery solutions. For more information, please visit the Ultralife Batteries Web site at www.ulbi.com.
About ArialPhone Corp.
ArialPhone Corp., launched in January 2001, is a provider of wireless telephone communications devices and voice-enabling software applications. The company's first product, ArialPhone, combines wireless and voice recognition technology in a sleek compact earset design that improves standard telephone calling processes. Future ArialPhone applications will enable Internet calling, voice control of digital entertainment and other home automation functions, such as changing TV channels; recording TV programs; controlling digital music players, set top boxes and cable modems; and even turning lights off and on. Privately held, ArialPhone Corp. is headquartered near Chicago in Vernon Hills, Ill. For more information, please visit www.arialphone.com, or contact the company's headquarters at 3 Hawthorn Parkway, Vernon Hills, IL 60061. Tel: 888/973-9925. Fax: 847/573-9926. E-mail: info@arialphone.com.
ArialPhone and ArialPhone Corp. are trademarks of ArialPhone Corp. Ultralife Polymer and Ultralife Polymer Battery are trademarks of Ultralife Batteries Inc.
No comments:
Post a Comment