[148] in bcs-newton
Apple and BellSouth Announce Wireless Communications Based On Newton
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Albert Willis)
Tue Aug 10 13:10:20 1993
Date: Tue, 10 Aug 93 12:27:35 EST
From: awillis@MIT.EDU (Albert Willis)
To: bcs-newton@world.std.com
Cc: newton_pda_group@bcsmac.bcs.org
Apple and BellSouth Announce Wireless Communications Based On Newton
Contact:
Christopher Escher
Apple Computer, Inc.
(408) 974-2202
Nicole Lipson
BellSouth Cellular Corp.
(404) 604-6493 (office)
(404) 971-8507 (home)
(404) 314-0399 (mobile)
Johnny Hales
MobileComm
(601) 977-1656 (office)
1-800-946-4646 P.I.N. 977-1656 (pager)
Apple and BellSouth Announce Wireless Communications Based On Newton
ATLANTA, Georgia--August 2, 1993--Apple Computer and BellSouth
Corporation today announced that BellSouth's Mobile Systems Group
will offer communications products and services for products based on
Newton technology.
As part of the agreement, MobileComm, BellSouth's paging company,
will provide wireless messaging through its paging network, for
Newton-based products.
BellSouth Cellular Corp. (BSCC), BellSouth's domestic cellular
carrier based in Atlanta, announced its intention to work with Apple
to investigate the market opportunities for a series of wireless
communications products and services based on Newton technology.
These efforts will build on Apple's strength as an innovator in
designing and marketing user-friendly technology, and BellSouth's
unique position as the leader in wireless communications. BellSouth
offers nationwide paging, domestic cellular service and cellular,
paging and wireless data operations on five continents.
Utilizing the MobileComm paging network and the Newton MessageCard,
a lightweight credit card-sized receiver manufactured for Apple by
Motorola, Newton users will be able to receive postcard length
messages and notification. This service is one of the first in a new
series of electronic services to be marketed by Apple's Personal
Interactive Electronics (PIE) division.
The first member of the Newton family is the Newton MessagePad
announced today. It allows people to gather, manage and communicate
information with speed, clarity and effectiveness. By combining
rich built-in communications capabilities with technology that
actively assists people in getting work done, Apple has created a
new class of Personal Digital Assistants (PDA).
"Working with a world leader in wireless communications, such as
BellSouth, helps us understand the needs of cellular and paging
customers both now and in the future," said Gaston Bastiaens, general
manager and vice president of the Personal Interactive Electronics
(PIE) division of Apple. "This combination of BellSouth and Apple
will help ensure delivery of innovative new products and services
that meet the needs of an increasingly mobile society."
"To make wireless communications accessible and usable to everyone,
it's imperative that the products and services are simple to use and
understand," said Steve Hamm, group president-Mobile Systems,
BellSouth. "Newton and the MobileComm paging network take this ease
of use to a new level. Additionally, BellSouth is pleased to be
working with Apple on the integration of cellular with Newton
technology."
It is expected that the paging service will be launched in the fall
of 1993. At that time, Newton MessagePad users will be able to
choose from MobileComm's nationwide, regional or local coverage.
Innovative wireless services such as ProLink, BellSouth Cellular
Corp.'s recently announced one number service, will enable Newton
customers to get the most out of their Communications Assistants.
Newtons could be linked through one phone number with a customer's
home, office and cellular phones, fax and pager. ProLink, combined
with Newton technology, will give customers visual interface for
prioritizing and managing their communications.
Additionally, any Newton device with cellular capabilities will have
access to the value-added services available to all cellular phone
customers. Cellular custom calling features such as call waiting and
call forwarding, plus free 911 calls (where available) and market and
carrier specific services such as ProLink will be available to Newton
customers who have activated cellular service.
BellSouth Corporation is an Atlanta-based international
telecommunications holding company. Its subsidiaries offer local
telephone service in nine Southeastern states and mobile
communications services worldwide, provide advertising and publishing
services and market and maintain stand-alone and fully integrated
communications systems.
Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Apple Computer, Inc.
(NASDAQ: AAPL) develops, manufactures and markets computer systems,
server systems, and personal digital assistants for use in business,
education, the home, science, engineering and government. A
recognized pioneer and innovator in the personal computer industry,
Apple does business in more than 120 countries. Apple's Macintosh
computers and LaserWriter printers were ranked highest in user
satisfaction among business users in recent studies by J.D. Power and
Associates.
-30-
Apple, the Apple logo, and Macintosh are registered trademarks and
Newton and MessagePad are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
END
