Philips and Microsoft to launch cordless Internet telephone for Windows Live Messenger users

January 5, 2006

2 Min Read

LAS VEGAS -- Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) and Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) are teaming up to introduce the new VOIP433 Dual Phone (incorporating Internet and PSTN phone capabilities), which will provide consumers with a simpler and more unified communications solution. The VOIP433 serves as both a traditional telephone and a VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) phone, allowing users to make and receive Internet calls to their online contacts through the upcoming Microsoft® Windows Live™ Messenger service, the successor of MSN® Messenger, which boasts more than 200 million active accounts worldwide.

Designed for Microsoft and showcased at the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the VOIP 433 Dual Phone enables consumers to easily call and connect to anyone listed on their Windows Live Messenger contact list with the simple click of a button. Customers will have three calling choices: free PC-to-PC calling through Windows Live Messenger, allowing users to place and receive voice calls; the MCI Web Calling service, offering Windows Live Messenger users a low-cost PC-to-phone outbound calling option; and traditional landline phone service.

The VOIP433 model’s advanced color screen takes the consumer experience to the next level by allowing users to see their friends’ online presence, displaying dynamic Windows Live Messenger icons, and delivering notification options on the cordless handset, even when users are away from their PC.

“By teaming up with Microsoft, we are demonstrating our commitment to bringing the benefits of VoIP to consumers,” said Nick Dosanjh, vice president and general manager of Philips Home Communication. “IP-based telephony is growing in popularity among consumers making use of their home broadband connections for a whole new range of communications options and services. Our new cordless phone will allow consumers the ability to simplify their communications experiences and reduce their costs while providing them with the convenience of having a phone with live messaging, without sitting in front of their PC.”

The VOIP433 represents an important development in Philips®’ ‘Connected Planet™’ vision, adding telecommunications to entertainment, thus providing consumers with greater freedom to benefit from wireless and Internet-enabled technology wherever they are at home.

“The world of Web-based voice communications is exploding — to consumers’ great benefit. We’re excited to offer the simplicity and freedom of peer-to-peer voice communications by combining Philips’ cordless phone technology with Windows Live Messenger,” said Blake Irving, corporate vice president of the MSN Communication Services and Member Platform group at Microsoft. “The VOIP433 handset with Windows Live Messenger delivers on our vision to extend integrated Windows Live communications beyond the PC. We’re very proud of this product and service and are thrilled to be working with such a strong partner.”

Royal Philips Electronics N.V. (NYSE: PHG; Amsterdam: PHI)

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