Motorola Unveils iRadio At CES 2000; Wireless Web Access Coming Soon to a Car Near You - Company Business and Marketing

Cambridge Telcom Report, Jan 10, 2000

Motorola Thursday announced its Internet radio prototype called iRadio, a revolutionary concept in in-vehicle information and entertainment via wireless Web access.

A smart technology to be offered by automakers, Motorola's iRadio will enable drivers to capture music on demand; listen to real time traffic reports; download audio books; access voicemail; receive the latest news and weather reports; get updated stock portfolio information and access email. These off-board mobile multimedia features will be delivered wirelessly via Web access, satellite, digital cellular, and FM sideband technologies.

"Motorola's iRadio will bring a wireless Web connection to cars, transforming the driving experience," said Marios Zenios, general manager and corporate vice president, Motorola's Telematics Communications Group. "It offers automakers one more way to make driving more exciting and convenient."

"iRadio is designed to make Web content easy to access, manage and control," Zenios added. "And all iRadio communications can be done hands-free, which means drivers can keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road."

The framework for iRadio is built upon the safety, security, navigation and concierge services already being delivered to drivers today through Motorola telematics capabilities, which combines wireless voice and data technologies, global positioning systems (GPS) and automotive-grade software.

Complete with voice recognition and text-to-speech technologies, iRadio is essentially a wireless Web client device which allows organized, easy access to content originating from multiple sources, whether via the Web, cellular communications, broadcast and satellite transmissions, or traditional AM/FM bands, among others. It's the new heart of smart cars.

A fully scalable system, iRadio will provide drivers with a range of service levels, from basic to premium packages, much like ordering Cable TV. In addition, a personalized Web page will enable iRadio to be configured anywhere drivers and passengers have an Internet connection -- at home, in the office or the car. For drivers with mobile devices including pagers and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), data such as address books, calendar functions, and favorite Web bookmarks can be synchronized on demand between iRadio and the device.

"Motorola's iRadio will dramatically change the concept of the car radio," said Joe Guglielmi, executive vice president and president, Motorola's Integrated Electronic Systems Sector. "It is designed to efficiently manage the recent explosion of content now available in the car. With the first car radios, Motorola helped bring AM/FM radio into the car almost 60 years ago. Today, with iRadio, Motorola brings the wireless Web to the car."

Motorola's iRadio will be made available through automotive manufacturers and other selected partners in the in-car entertainment and telematics marketplaces.

Motorola is currently working with industry partners, including mobile audio and satellite content providers such as Command Audio and XM Radio, to enable automakers to bring drivers the best automotive communications technologies available on the market today. The company is scheduled to announce additional strategic partnerships in early to mid-2000.

Motorola's Telematics Communications Group (TCG) is part of the company's Integrated Electronic Systems Sector (IESS), a leading provider of advanced electronic products and systems for customers integrating electronics into their products. Motorola IESS solutions provide the brains -- the DigitalDNA -- that make electronic systems smart, powerful and easy to use. Motorola IESS designs and manufactures electronic solutions for automotive, communications, imaging, manufacturing systems, computer, consumer and industrial markets.

Motorola is a global leader in providing integrated communications solutions and embedded electronic solutions. Sales in 1998 were $29.4 billion.