BEAVERTON, Ore., April 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --The
telecommunications industry, manufacturers and retailers will begin
using VTech® Communications' trademarked Connect
to Cell phrase to support common consumer understanding of
cellphone syncing capabilities with home phones. Working with
retail partners, VTech Communications, Inc., a wholly owned
subsidiary of VTech Holdings Ltd. (HKSE: 303) agreed to sub-license
the trademarked descriptor to other manufacturers in support of a
unified industry language.
VTech first used Connect to Cell in 2010 to describe the
Bluetooth syncing capabilities of select home phone systems to make
and receive calls from either a paired cellphone or traditional
phone. A leading national retailer proposed standardizing the
terminology for easier public understanding, as multiple
manufacturers use Bluetooth technology under different names
resulting in confusing descriptions for consumers. There are about
20 different Connect to Cell models sold in the marketplace, six
models from VTech.
The trademarked phrase will be available to interested
telecommunications brands, upon the execution of a royalty-free
license agreement with VTech. Consumers will begin seeing Connect
to Cell on other manufacturers' new phone models this spring.
Retailers also will start to use this trademarked phrase on store
signage, point-of-purchase displays and supporting materials. VTech
products and packaging already use the Connect to Cell phrase.
"New technology can be difficult to understand when there are
multiple terms in the marketplace," said Nicholas Delany, president of VTech
Communications, Inc. "We are offering Connect to Cell as a standard
term to help customers understand this helpful connectivity feature
across the multiple brands. As the reliance on mobile phones
continues to increase, we expect Connect to Cell to become an
increasingly important tool to improve the home communications
experience."
Approximately 1.3 million phones with Connect to Cell technology
were sold in 2012, about 8 percent of all cordless phone sales.
Landline phone service is not required to benefit from the
technology, which can deliver better sound quality and fewer
dropped calls by placing the connected mobile phone in an area of
the home with strong cellular coverage. The feature also is
appreciated by busy consumers who can answer from any connected
phone throughout the house, ending the rush between rooms when the
cellphone rings.
The technology continues to be enhanced with simple pairing and
multiple compatible product combinations. For more information
about Connect to Cell and VTech, visit www.vtechphones.com.
About VTech®
VTech is the world's largest manufacturer of cordless telephones
and a leading supplier of electronic learning products. It
also provides highly sought-after contract manufacturing
services. Founded in 1976, the Group's mission is to be the
most cost effective designer and manufacturer of innovative, high
quality consumer electronic products and to distribute them to
markets worldwide in the most efficient manner.
Media Contact:
Ryan Smith
GolinHarris
714-918-8231
ryan.smith@golinharris.com
SOURCE VTech Communications
