Big Planet Rolls Out Voice-Over IP with Aplio; Aplio/Phone Users Can Save Over 95 Percent of Long Distance Charges
November 3, 1998
PROVO, Utah, Nov. 2 /PRNewswire/ via
NewsEdge Corporation -- Big Planet, the
InterNetworking(TM) Company, today
expanded its maturing line of Internet
Services by adding the Aplio/Phone, an
award-winning Internet telephony appliance
developed by Aplio Inc. Big Planet will sell
Aplio/Phone through its national network of
Independent Representatives.
A stand-alone Internet telephony appliance,
Aplio/Phone delivers breakthroughs in
technology and quality. Aplio/Phone works
without a PC and connects to a regular
telephone as easily as an answering machine
to provide dramatic long-distance savings
using the Internet without incurring any
additional charges, except for the cost of
the Internet (ISP) connection. (Aplio users
realize more than 95 percent savings over
conventional long distance costs).
Just dial the other party as usual, and once
the connection is made, press the "APLIO"
button to reroute the call over the Internet.
This enables users to converse over the
Internet instead of over expensive long
distance lines, thus experiencing superior
audio quality rivaling that of today's
advanced digital cellular phones.
"Big Planet is dedicated to providing
best-of-breed communications tools, " said
Richard King, president of Big Planet. "The
Aplio/Phone is an important addition to our
product line because it enhances the
communications capabilities of our customers
and representatives."
Aplio/Phone Technology
Aplio's telephony solution includes
patent-pending technology that makes it
simple to conduct telephone conversations
over the Internet. Using the Aplio/Phone and
a standard telephone at each end,
businesses and individuals who frequently
place long-distance calls to the same
locations can reroute their calls over the
Internet.
Aplio/Phone is a full-featured, smart Internet
appliance with a built-in processor and
modem, Flash RAM and hardware-based,
full-duplex voice compression. Its small size
makes it a convenient companion to any
telephone. In addition, the Aplio/Phone also
boasts a full-duplex speakerphone which can
be used even when the device is not
connected through the Internet.
"Aplio is thrilled to be associated with Big
Planet. They are a perfect partner for Aplio.
Big Planet's marketing approach and
technologically savvy representatives have
created the ideal venue for generating
interest in this innovative appliance," said
Aplio CEO Olivier Zitoun.
"Aplio/Phone makes calling over the Internet
easy and cost-effective -- delivering at least
95 percent savings over conventional long
distance," said Zitoun. "Now, connecting with
far-flung friends, family and business
associates via the Internet has become even
simpler and more convenient."
Aplio/Phone Features
-- Digital sound quality: A Quality-Enhancer
monitors Internet traffic
and adjusts the sound compression to
optimize audio quality.
-- One-button activation: No computer, no
keyboard, no complications.
-- 100 percent "Free Mode": Pre-arranged
calls can connect on the
Internet without the initial long distance call.
-- Find Me!: Wherever users are logged onto
the Internet, callers can
reach them by simply dialing a unique Aplio
ID. Callers don't need a
phone number.
-- Multiple languages: Aplio/Phone's
automatic announcements can be in
English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian,
Mandarin, Russian and more.
About Big Planet
Big Planet, the InterNetworking(TM)
Company, based in Provo, Utah, is an
innovative provider of communications and
technology products and services for
individuals and small businesses.
InterNetworking is the next revolution in
direct marketing, combining the power of
one-to-one relationships with the emerging
global Internet opportunity to improve the
way we Learn, Communicate, Work, Shop
and Play.
Through Big Planet's network of Independent
Representatives, the company offers an
array of integrated, high quality, technology
products that combine new levels of
customer value to capture key customer
connections to the home and small office
with services such as Internet access,
dynamic web pages, voice/data
communications, e-commerce, education and
more. For information about Big Planet and
its products and services, visit the Big Planet
Web site at www.bigplanet.com, or call (801)
345-7000.
About Aplio, Inc.
Aplio, Inc. is a pioneer in the Internet
telephony appliance market. Founded in
1996, Aplio develops and delivers a new
generation of very low-cost, easy-to-use
Internet appliances, enabling any small
business or home user to communicate and
access information through the Internet,
without using a PC or a network computer.
The company's flagship product, the
Aplio/Phone, was introduced in March 1998.
Since its introduction, the Aplio/Phone has
received much acclaim, from the press (Home
PC's Reviewer's Choice, Internet Telephony's
Editor's Pick), analysts, and customers
worldwide. Located in San Bruno, Calif.,
Aplio, Inc. has a worldwide presence with
offices in the United States, Europe and
Israel. (The privately held company is backed
by major European venture capitalists).
SOURCE Big Planet |
