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| [January 03, 2008] |
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Thomson Integrates the Power of Google Local Search into New Line of Devices
LAS VEGAS --(Business Wire)-- Thomson (Euronext Paris: 18453) (NYSE: TMS), and Google (NASDAQ: GOOG), have partnered to help consumers save money on 411 business information calls by integrating the first ever one-touch, auto-dial GOOG-411 button into many of its latest GE-branded DECT 6.0(TM) Interference Free phones for 2008. One of many new innovative features for consumers from Thomson, GOOG-411 is Google's free, voice-activated, business directory assistance service, and the GOOG-411 button will be incorporated on more than a dozen GE phones, which will be available in April. The first chance to see the new GE DECT 6.0 phones with the GOOG-411 button will be during the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show at the Thomson/GE booth #20901 South Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center.
"While some people still use the 'phone book,' most traditional paper versions these days are remarkably incomplete and do not fit today's fast paced lifestyle," said Tom Bratton, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Thomson Consumer Network Solutions. "In America alone, more than $18 million is spent on business information calls daily! That amounts to about $7 billion dollars spent per year. We believe that consumers will appreciate the ability to use GOOG-411, making free business information calls at the push of a single button."
"We are pleased that Thomson has incorporated Google's powerful local search service into their latest line of phones," said Marc Vanlerberghe, Director of Mobile Marketing of Google, Inc. "GOOG-411 connects users to businesses for no charge. We believe that users will appreciate the ease, speed and simplicity of finding and connecting with businesses at the push of one button. Google is committed to making information useful and accessible when and where our users need it, whether it is on a desktop machine, a mobile device, or a landline handset."
How does GOOG-411 work?
GOOG-411 is a free and completely automated service, employing speech recognition to help users find and connect to businesses from their phone. Pressing the GOOG-411 button will immediately connect DECT 6.0 users to this free Google service. After callers say where and what they are looking for, GOOG-411 will find the business and will offer to connect the call for free. The GOOG-411 service is also available for mobile users on 1-800-GOOG-411 (1-800-4664-411) where normal carrier charges may apply.
Two new GE DECT 6.0 series phones by Thomson will include a GOOG-411 auto dial button. Models include:
GE Premiere DECT 6.0 Phone with Home Speakerbox/Intercom: The ultimate GE DECT phones for young families in larger homes, model 28821FJ3 features a dedicated two-way wireless intercom system plus a special portable speakerphone/room intercom unit that can be easily moved from room-to-room as needed. Perfect for busy parents juggling responsibilities, this ultimate hands-free model features a large, easy-to-push button for quick call pick-up and hands-free operation with the voice clarity that only DECT 6.0 can deliver. Presented in rich gloss black with a striking "wave" design base station, the systems features important premium features such as True Digital Sound (for enhanced audio), expandability up to eight headsets, larger easy-to-read LCD display, built-in clock and alarm and answering machine speed control. Call-ignore, a digital answering system, message playback speed control and polyphonic ring tones round out the package, which comes complete with two handsets and the home intercom unit for a suggested retail price of $99.99.
The full roster of six new GE Premiere DECT 6.0 phones are available independently without the intercom-monitor and range in price from a single handset model with caller ID (28811FE1) for $49.99 to a three-handset system with built in digital answering system (28821FE2) for $99.99. The intercom-monitor (28108GE1/FE1) is also available individually for $39.99.
GE Advanced DECT 6.0: Featuring a new streamlined and a stylish arched design base, the new GE Advanced phones include popular features plus extra large LCD with easy to read characters and a blue backlit keypad. Expandable up to six handsets, this new line up of six Advanced models range in price from a single handset model with caller ID (28213EE1) for $39.99 to a three-handset system with built in digital answering system (28223EE3) for $89.99.
About Thomson -- World leader in digital video technologies
Thomson (Euronext Paris: 18453) (NYSE: TMS) provides technology, services, and systems to help its Media & Entertainment clients - content creators, content distributors and users of its technology - realize their business goals and optimize their performance in a rapidly changing technology environment. The Group is the preferred partner to the Media & Entertainment Industries through its Technicolor, Grass Valley, RCA, and Thomson brands. For more information: http://www.thomson.net.
Certain statements in this press release, including any discussion of management expectations for future periods, constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements due to changes in global economic and business conditions, consumer electronics markets, and regulatory factors. More detailed information on the potential factors that could affect the financial results of Thomson is contained in Thomson's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
EDITOR NOTE: For more information and high resolution digital photography, please contact Golden Loder Associates. Mark Smotroff, 415-332-0718 smotroff@pacbell.net or Mary Welby (908) 889-8300 or mary@glapr.com.
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