(M2 PressWIRE Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Paris, -- Since its creation in 1994, Parrot took the lead in the market of wireless peripherals for mobile phones by developing a wide range of hands-free systems for vehicles and more recently, multimedia products for the home, designed by some of the best designers in the world.

Parrot brings the same principles of design and technology to everything it creates whether for the car or the home.

"At Parrot, the foundation for our thinking when conceiving a new product is based on the same requirements," explains Henri Seydoux, founder and CEO of Parrot. "It is necessary that the product works with the mobile phone, that it is accessible for all yet technically sophisticated." Reinvent existing objects in a world of mobility People want the latest technology but they also want it to be intuitive and perform many functions.

"We invent nothing, we evolve what already exists. For example, Bluetooth allowed 'reinvention' of the telephone in the car; like the iPod reinvented the walkman," Henri Seydoux continues. "With wireless technologies, we sought to reinvent the hi-fi system. We designed speakers which contain the amplifier. They are fixed but around them, the music is mobile... On iPod , iPhone(tm), computer... yours, those of your friends... At Parrot, we are using our technological expertise to 'reinvent' the speaker in order to integrate it into the mobile world..." From the first hands-free system...

The car is a place where one is "disconnected", from friends and family and the professional environment. The mobile phone reduced this distance.

* A must-have on aftermarket To meet this new need and to make it possible for drivers to remain connected without having to handle their telephone Parrot conceived and marketed, in 2001, the Bluetooth hands-free systems with voice recognition, the Parrot CK range. To follow this Parrot conceived the MKi range, complete hands-free systems dedicated to conversation and music in car. More recently the Parrot RKi8400 became the first car radio dedicated to the iPhone(tm).

* The first choice for the car industry Parrot is also developing agreements with car manufacturers, providing their suppliers with complete hardware and software solutions. For voice recognition, in-car calls and music from various sources (iPod , iPhone(tm), USB flash drives, Bluetooth stereo (A2DP) phones, MP3 players, or any other analogue players.) * A Certified Installer Program (CIP) Parrot products are stocked in more than 60,000 sales outlets around the world. In 2008 Parrot implemented a certification programme for installers in order to guarantee high standards for consumers. Through this program, Parrot certified installers benefit from a secure website giving them access to training, sales and technical documentation and videos. The members of the program also have access to product information (photography, data sheets, and user manuals), a marketing section with an online POS catalogue, special offers, local incentives, and invitations to events as well as a newsletter specific to each country.

One year on from launch, Parrot Certified Installer Program counts nearly 2,500 members in eight countries.

... To a multimedia collection Mobile phones are now cameras and personal stereos and Parrot has been inspired by this to create the first multimedia product range, making it possible to use its photos and its music at home on wireless devices. The 'Parrot by' collection was created in 2008 from the meeting of the worlds of technology and design, thanks to collaborations with prestigious designers: Andree Putman, Martin Szekely, Philippe Starck.

* Parrot By and innovation Parrot By is a vast project of technological innovation for the engineers at Parrot. As an example, the team of engineers which developed the Zikmu by Starck wireless speakers worked for three years on the project in collaboration with the designer. There is a lot at stake: integrate best technologies in a minimalist product.

"The design is also a use. Technological objects for the house must be as simple and elegant as a piece of furniture," explains Henri Seydoux. "Nobody asks how a chair works. Design is important for this reason: work with designers which have an long experience in the design of furniture like Philippe Starck, Martin Szekely or Andree Putman is a form of innovation".

Research and Innovation Parrot has worked for 15 years on wireless technologies. Engineering is the keystone of the work of Parrot. The R&D department of the company consists of 150 engineers who work on innovative projects.

Parrot concentrates on the maintenance of its investments in R&D to a high level, with an important focus on the software, the signal processing. Parrot develops complete products in taking care of their use; because of this, software, electronics, design and also manufacturing costs are the daily work of the research department.

Parrot invested to ensure 100% compatibility with all the mobile phones available in the market. This is one of the great forces of Parrot.

Parrot R&D teams are currently working on projects which push technology with its limits.

2009 marks 15 years of technological innovations for Parrot; and Parrot certainly does not intend to stop there... Some very surprising innovations will be born soon...

About PARROT Parrot, a global leader in wireless devices for mobile phones, stands on the cutting edge of innovation. The company was founded in 1994 by Henri Seydoux as part of his determination to drive the inevitable breakthrough of mobile phones into everyday life by creating high-quality, user-friendly wireless devices for easy living. Parrot has developed the most extensive range of hands-free kits on the market for cars, motorbikes and scooters, including wireless multimedia products geared towards audiovisual applications. In 2008, Parrot launched a new prestige line of high-end products bearing the hallmark of renowned artists. Parrot, headquartered in Paris, currently employs 450 people worldwide and generates 85% of its sales overseas.

Parrot is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris since 2006.

((Comments on this story may be sent to info@m2.com)) (c) 2009 M2 COMMUNICATIONS

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