Debra, et al,
I just read this on the news wire... do y'all see any connection pro/con with what FTEL/FNET are about?
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 |
