U.S. Robotics Ships SoundLink Wireless Audio Delivery System; Users Can Enjoy Internet Radio, MP3 Files Through Home Stereo and Other Audio Applications

Business Wire, April 2, 2001

Business Editors and High-Tech Writers

SCHAUMBURG, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 2, 2001

U.S. Robotics, the world's leading provider in Internet access and connectivity, today began shipping SoundLink(TM) Wireless Audio Delivery System, allowing users to listen to MP3 files or Internet radio stations via their home stereos or portable radios as well as offering a number of other versatile audio applications.

Available from major retailers or directly from U.S. Robotics' Web site at www.usr.com, the product is expected to sell for an estimated street price of $99.

SoundLink users simply plug the transmitter unit into the PC's audio out jack, place the receiving unit up to 10 feet from their stereo or radio, and tune the FM receiver to 88.1 or 88.3. The wireless signal can transmit to a receiving unit up to 1,000 feet away, offering the rich variety of Internet audio virtually anywhere in the home or outdoors.

"This is our initial entry into the rapidly growing wireless audio market and fits perfectly with our product expansion strategy," said Van M. Andrews, president and CEO of U.S. Robotics. "SoundLink Wireless Audio Delivery System offers consumers innovative ways to enjoy Internet audio with the features they expect from U.S. Robotics -- ease of installation and use, quality and reliability."

SoundLink is compatible with any streaming media player on the PC or Macintosh, including Real Networks' Real Player, Microsoft Windows Media Player and Apple's QuickTime Player. It is also compatible with Real Jukebox, MP3 music files and satellite/cable TV digital music channels.

"SoundLink opens a world of possibilities to listen to Internet radio and audio on your home stereo," said Manish Arora, North America product marketing manager for U.S. Robotics. "It frees you from sitting at the computer with generally poor quality PC speakers to enjoy Internet audio content -- whether it's the latest band or a broadcast of your favorite sports team -- throughout the home or yard or in the workplace."

Operating on the 900Mhz frequency and compatible with any audio device's 3.5mm or RCA output jack, SoundLink also offers a variety of additional audio options to users, such as wirelessly transmitting music from an MP3 player to a stereo or portable radio, or transmitting audio from a stereo or CD player to an FM radio.

By connecting an audio cable between a PC and TV, the product can broadcast in DVD format via a home stereo's surround sound system. With an external microphone connected to the transmitter unit, SoundLink can even be used as an infant monitor, re-broadcasting the sounds from a baby's room through a home stereo or radio.

The transmitter and receiving units are approximately five inches wide and four inches high. The product also includes two six-volt DC power adapters, installation guide, and RCA and 3.5mm cables for a direct connection between the receiving unit and a stereo's auxiliary input.

About U.S. Robotics

U.S. Robotics is the world's leading modem provider, bringing the Internet into millions of homes and businesses around the world. For three decades, U.S. Robotics has been at the forefront of modem technology. U.S. Robotics has re-emerged as an independent company and continuing its tradition of making the most reliable, easy-to-use and innovative Internet access solutions available. All U.S. Robotics resources -- from engineering to customer support -- are dedicated to fulfilling that commitment. U.S. Robotics is a privately held company with headquarters in the Chicago area with a recently opened emerging business unit in Irvine, Calif. For further information regarding the company and its products, visit the Web site at www.usr.com.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Photos of the SoundLink product available upon request.

U.S. Robotics is a registered trademark of U.S. Robotics Corp. SoundLink is a trademark of U.S. Robotics Corp. All rights reserved. All other company names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.