Actiontec Announces Chat4Less USB Phone

Business Wire, Nov 16, 1999

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 16, 1999--

Combines the Convenience and Voice Quality of Conventional Phones

with USB Connectivity for Internet Telephony Cost Savings

Actiontec Electronics, Inc., a leading manufacturer of data communication products, announced today the Chat4Less(TM) USB Phone. Combining the ease-of-use and voice quality of conventional telephones with the cost savings of Internet telephony, the Chat4Less USB Phone enables callers to use their conventional wired or cordless telephones while they dramatically reduce their calling charges by placing their calls over the Internet.

Installation of the Chat4Less USB Phone is exceptionally easy. Users simply plug the Chat4Less USB Phone into their computer's USB connector, then connect their conventional phone into the Chat4Less USB Phone. Unlike conventional Internet telephony solutions, the Chat4Less USB Phone is as convenient to use as a conventional phone. Users just dial the number they wish to call directly from their phone!

The sound quality is so clear that users may not even know they are speaking over the Internet. Advanced echo-canceling technology, 8 and 16-bit linear audio support, and TrueSpeech voice compression team up to make Internet calls sound as good as conventional telephone calls. In addition to its use with conventional telephones, the Chat4Less USB Phone provides the convenience and versatility of conference room speakerphones through its microphone and speaker connectors.

"Staying in touch with friends and family can be very expensive, especially if the person you are calling is in another country," stated Alex Hewko, vice president of channel sales and marketing for Actiontec. "The Chat4Less USB Phone combines the plug and play connectivity of USB, the convenience and voice quality of conventional telephone, and the cost savings of Internet telephony to reduce costs by as much as 9 cents per minute on calls to Europe."

The Chat4Less USB Phone is H.323 compatible, and supports Microsoft WAV, ACM, and MIXER API's for maximum compatibility. The Chat4Less USB Phone is compatible with Windows 98, as well as versions of Windows 95 that support USB ports. The Chat4Less USB Phone requires a computer with 16 MB RAM and a CD ROM drive, an analog telephone, available USB port and a LAN or modem-based Internet connection. The Chat4Less USB Phone comes with Communications and Bonus Software.

The Chat4Less USB Phone will be available the first quarter of the year 2000 with an MSRP of $149.95.

About Actiontec

Actiontec Electronics, Inc. is a significant global player in the data communications marketplace. The company's product line includes a complete line of Home Networking products, Mobile and Desktop Fax/Modems, and Ethernet cards, as well as Internal and External PC Card Read/Write Drives for SmartMedia, CompactFlash and ATA Flash PC Cards. Actiontec products have been recognized with a Best of Show award at Retail Xchange, and Editors Choice awards from CNET's computers.com, homePCnetwork.com, and Computer Retail Week. Actiontec products are available through national distribution, retail outlets, and Actiontec's online store as well as through private label and OEM relationships. The company is headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA, and maintains branch offices in Arlington, VA; Irvine, CA; The Netherlands and Taiwan. For more information, phone 408-752-7700, fax 408-541-9003, or visit http://www.actiontec.com.

Actiontec, the Actiontec logo, and Chat4Less are trademarks of Actiontec Electronics, Inc. All other product names and trademarks are the property of their respective holders.