— Later called ‘Cordless Web Screen H610‘ at CeBIT 2001

Combines cordless Internet access with telephony and e-mail. Uses Bluetooth™ technology to link its component parts – a touch screen with virtual keyboard and a base station. Includes an integrated address and phone book, a message center and options for different user profiles.

The First True Wireless Screen Phone For Easy Home Use

Planned for availability at the end of 2000, the Ericsson HS210 Screen Phone allows a user to browse the Internet, send e-mails and make telephone calls wirelessly.

At the recent CeBIT 2000 Show, Ericsson displayed its first generation wireless screen phone which embodies Bluetooth transmission technology in an intuitive, easy to use format.

Running on the Linux operating system, the Screen Phone has a color touch screen for launching functions including an internal address book and note pad. It is assumed that the HS210 will be equipped to run on a battery as well as being plugged into an AC outlet, thus making the device truly wireless and cordless.

Ericsson unveiled the world’s first portable, wireless Screen Phone HS210 at the recent CeBIT 2000 Show in Hannover, Germany to a wide chorus of rave reviews.

Employing Bluetooth wireless transmission technology and an imbedded Linux operating system, the Screen Phone allows the user to browse the Internet, send e-mails, and make phone calls simultaneously from any location either within the home or a place of business without relying on a standard modem, cable modem or DSL connection.

The device has a color touch screen with a virtual keyboard, which allows the user to launch a full range of supporting applications including an embedded address book, note pad, and message center. The device also includes an internal answering machine.

The HS210 Screen Phone kit comprises both the user screen interface unit (i.e., the screen phone), along with a small base station that transmits the 2.4 GHz Bluetooth radio waves from a wall socket to the phone device.

Bluetooth provides up to 720 Kbps data transfer within a normal omni-directional range of 30-to-40 feet, including through interior walls of structures. As noted previously, commands and device features can be activated through either the virtual keyboard – with the touch of a finger – or by using a specially designed pen stylus.

It is assumed that the HS210 will be equipped to run on a battery as well as being plugged into an AC outlet, thus making the device truly wireless and cordless.

Ericsson has indicated that the Screen Phone will be available for purchase toward the end of 2000 in selected markets in North America, and in Europe in early 2001. No pricing has been set.

(gadgetcentral.com)

Ericsson Press Releases

Ericsson unveils cordless communications device for the home

Thursday, February 24, 2000

At CeBIT in Hannover, Ericsson unveiled the cordless Screen Phone HS210. This product defines a new product category fusing Bluetooth connectivity and the Internet, telephony and e-mail into a convenient well designed package.

With the Screen Phone, the user is freed to browse the Internet, send e-mails and make phone calls simultaneously from the comfort of their sofa rather than being tied to the main PC that sits in the den. They are free to interact with anyone on their own terms. Using Bluetooth wireless connectivity, users are freed from the tyranny of the cable that would tie them to fixed spot in the home.

“Bringing mobility to the home is a long-standing feature of Ericsson’s strategy,” says Jan Ahrenbring, Vice President Marketing and Communications at Ericsson Mobile Communications. “Home is where we believe that people want to relax and find the balance in their busy lives, interacting with friends and family.”

The Screen Phone has a color touch screen, on which the Internet and other functions can be launched at the quick touch of a finger. You can talk using the speakerphone or use a handsfree as you surf. The Screen Phone uses the Linux operating system for its stability and openness, thus enabling a wide range of future applications.

Aimed at the contemporary household, the screen phone benefits from extensive research into consumer needs and leads the way for a raft of products that bring convenience to the home user.

“We are approaching a paradigm shift in the way we communicate and interact through consumer electronics. Clearly the migration of broadband into the home, combined with wireless IP based communications will profoundly change the way we interact with a host of things such as home entertainment TV’s, stereos, white goods and many other intelligent Bluetooth connected devices we have not seen yet,” says Ahrenbring.

Ericsson expects that the home communications market will develop within the next 3 to 5 years reaching a similar size as today’s home PC market. Naturally Ericsson intends to be a major player in this market segment. The Screen Phone will become available towards the end of this year for selected markets in America and in Europe shortly after.

(ericsson.com)