To anyone who still thinks Digiphone has a ghost of a chance... read the following:
Friday September 20 6:18 AM EDT
New Version of Intel Internet Phone Available Free from Intel World Wide Web Site
First Standards-based Internet Phone Enhanced With New Capabilities
SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 20, 1996--Intel today announced
a new beta version of its popular Intel Internet Phone, available immediately as a
free download from Intel's Web site: intel.com.
Hundreds of thousands of the first beta version of the Internet phone have been
downloaded from the Intel Web site since its introduction on July 24, 1996. The
Intel Internet Phone, designed for Pentium(R) processor PCs running the Windows
95 operating system, will interoperate with other upcoming H.323-based
communications software from Microsoft and other vendors.
The benefit of H.323 to the user is that callers with H.323 standards based
products can call one another and be confident that the call will go through. This is
the first time internet telephone users have been assured of interoperable
products, even if from different vendors or running on different types of computers.
Intel Internet Phone users have enthusiastically related their positive experiences.
"I'm extremely impressed. The Intel Internet Phone was easy to download and user
friendly. I spoke with people from Arizona, Iowa and the Far East," said Tina Brown,
an Intel Internet Phone user from New York City.
"Their voices were as clear as a bell and we were truly amazed with the
technology. I have tried other Internet telephone products without success. I'm
telling all my friends how `user friendly' the Intel Internet Phone is and encouraging
them to download it as soon as possible."
Beta Upgrade Program
Intel has set up a beta upgrade program to ensure that all users have the latest
version of the Intel Internet Phone. Prior to the end of each beta phase, Intel
intends to have a new version of the Intel Internet Phone available for download
from the Intel web site. Intel is encouraging all current users to download the new
beta version of the Intel Internet Phone from the Intel Web site prior to the end of
first beta program on September 30, 1996.
New Features
The new version of the Intel Internet Phone includes additional functions, such as
busy line indicator and call progress indicator, and the file download size has been
reduced by one-third. The new version also supports additional Internet Directory
Services, including InfoSpace, to locate other Internet phone users.
These directory services provide an easy way to find and call other Internet phone
users. Once connected via an Internet phone on a multimedia PC, users can talk
to each other over the Internet while using other Internet applications, such as
browsing the Web, exchanging photos, playing games, and data conferencing.
"As the first Internet communications solution incorporating the H.323
interoperability standard, the Intel Internet Phone demonstrates our vision of the
Connected PC -- one that can seamlessly communicate via the Internet with any
PC running software built around this
standard," said Frank Gill, executive vice president and general manager, Intel
Internet and Communications Group.
Intel Internet Phone Applet Demonstrates New Standards
Unlike other proprietary Internet phone software, the Intel Internet Phone sets the
stage for interoperability with other Internet communications products that
implement the H.323 standard.
Key features and capabilities of the Intel Internet Phone software include:
-- Ability to communicate with any Internet communications product/software based
on the H.323 standard
-- Designed as an easy-to-install add-on "helper" applet compatible with Microsoft
Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator browsers
-- Supported by leading Internet directory services, such as BigFoot, Four11,
InfoSpace, Internet Address Finder, Switchboard.Com, and WhoWhere, making it
easy to find and call other users of H.323-based Internet Phones
-- Easy-to-use graphical interface designed to complement the point and click
characteristics of popular browsers
-- Full-duplex audio support, making it possible to support "natural" telephone-like
conversations for personal or business conversations. Also supports half-duplex
sound systems
-- Intel Connection Advisor(TM) utility to provide feedback on the quality and
performance capabilities of an Internet call along with tips for improving call quality
Availability and System Requirements
Beta 2 of the Intel Internet Phone applet is immediately available free of charge
from Intel's Web site: intel.com. Recommended system
hardware and software for the Intel, Internet Phone includes an Intel Pentium
processor, Microsoft Windows 95, full-duplex sound system, 16MB of RAM, and
Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator.
Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of personal
computer, networking and communications products. Through innovative
technologies, Intel is committed to improving the Internet experience for PC
consumers. Additional information is available at
www.intel.com/pressroom.
Note to Editors: Other brands or products are trademarks or registered trademarks
of their respective holders.
CONTACT: Intel Corp.
Jon Jackson, 503/264-9463 |
