Panasonic Announces New Line of Digital Handsets

Allure(TM), Versio(TM) models continue tradition of lightweight, feature-rich phones with six color backlights, large LCD and text messaging with Group Lists
Oct. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Elegant and lightweight, Panasonic's newest digital handsets blend sleek styling with the most powerful features and exclusive applications available. Available through select retail channels across the country, the Allure and Version model digital multi-network phones are among the lightest available in the U.S., weighing just 2.7 and 3.1 ounces respectively.

The new Panasonic phones build on the impressive foundation laid earlier in 2001 by the company's re-entry into the U.S. digital wireless market with its ProMax and DuraMax models. In addition to being extremely compact, the new phones are ideal for professional and personal use with unrivaled customization features -- including a choice of six striking backlight colors -- powerful organizational tools and information-rich capabilities including text messaging using Group Lists.

"Panasonic has become a leading manufacturer of affordable digital handsets by developing miniaturized phones with all the high-end and convenient features of larger-scale models," said Debra Sachs, assistant general manager, Digital Cellular Phones, Panasonic Telecommunications Systems Company. "The introduction of Allure and Versio is proof of Panasonic's commitment to continued innovation in the digital handset market."

The Allure, at 2.7 ounces, offers an abundance of exclusive features including 40 voice commands for hands-free dialing; the ability to store 250 names-each with four phone numbers and an e-mail address; the ability to download graphics and melodies from Panasonic's wireless homepage and a voice memo button conveniently located on the side of the phone which allows the user to record up to twenty seconds of conversation -- great for directions, phone numbers and reminders.

Weighing in at only 3.1 ounces, the Versio can store up to 100 names-each with four numbers and e-mail. The "Favorite Number Key" located on the side of the phone allows one-touch dialing of a select number, as well as interchangeable faceplates.

Standard features on both the Allure and the Versio include a choice of six backlight colors (amber, green, blue, teal, purple and yellow), a dedicated and enhanced speakerphone and the ability to attach individual ring tones and backlight colors to each memory location stored in the phone. Text messaging allows up to 160 characters per message-enough room for driving directions, grocery lists or just a quick "Good morning"-with a 40-message inbox and 20-message outbox. Both phones offer five Group Lists with up to five entries in each list making text messaging even easier when sending the same message to multiple locations. In addition, Tegic(TM) T9 predictive text input makes inputting information quick and easy.

The Allure and Versio offer 140 minutes of digital talk time and 200 hours of digital standby. The Allure is available in Titanium and Silver colors; the Versio comes packaged with a removable silver faceplate and bonus red faceplate. Flip faceplates and additional standard faceplates are also available in a variety of colors.

Both the Allure and Versio are digital multi-network phones that operate on 800 Mhz analog, 800 Mhz digital, and 1900 Mhz digital systems. They are available through select retail locations. Please visit http://www.panasonic.com/wireless for the nearest location.

About Panasonic
Panasonic Telecommunication Systems Company is a unit company of Secaucus, NJ-based Matsushita Electric Corporation of America, the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (NYSE: MC) of Japan. Best known by its Panasonic brand name, Matsushita Electric is one of the world's leading developers and manufacturers of digital and other electronic products for the home, the office and in between. Additional information on Panasonic and Matsushita can be found at http://www.panasonic.com. Specific information on the Allure, Version and DuraMax models is available at http://www.panasonic.com/wireless.

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SOURCE Panasonic Telecommunication System Company