Motorola Envoy Personal Wireless Communicator
Ben Burch
its work to fulfill the vision of any time, anywhere communications,
Motorola today unveiled the Envoy(R) product, the first fully
integrated personal wireless communicator that incorporates two-way
wireless and wireline communication. The Envoy communicator, the first
in a line of personal wireless communicators from Motorola, was
demonstrated at an event held in conjunction with the opening day of
the Mobile '94 Conference in San Jose, Calif.
Based on General Magic's intuitive Magic Cap(TM) platform and
Telescript(TM) communications language, the Envoy hand-held device
lets users instantly access and communicate information anywhere --
across a conference table or in a moving taxi. It is powered by
Motorola's Dragon chip set -- the highly integrated 68349 processor
and a special purpose application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)
referred to as Astro. This chip set was designed specifically to
optimize the performance of Magic Cap and Telescript.
"It's rewarding to witness the result of the close business and
technological cooperation between Motorola and so many distinguished
partners," said Chris Galvin, Motorola's president and chief operating
officer.
The Envoy communicator is a practical, all-in-one tool for people who
need to stay in touch. Designed for both business and personal use,
it can communicate with popular public and private electronic mail
systems, Windows-based computers, Macintosh computers and fax
machines, as well as with other Envoy communicators. It can keep
track of appointments, expenses, addresses, telephone numbers,
telephone calls, billing preferences and time zones.
"Motorola's leadership and expertise in wireless communications, the
powerful Magic Cap and Telescript environment, and the outstanding
applications from so many software developers and communication
service providers make it possible to bring end-to-end solutions to
market, allowing users to communicate and access information
anywhere," said Bob Growney, president and general manager of
Motorola's Messaging, Information and Media Sector.
A user can write on the Envoy communicator with the accompanying
stylus, or even use a finger, to type and select or move objects on
its screen. Envoy communicator owners can use an on-screen keyboard
to input information, use electronic ink to draw or write personal
notations, or send messages and faxes in their own handwriting. A
Single Tool, Three Ways to Communicate
Using the Envoy communicator, people can send and receive messages and
information any time, anywhere, and at their convenience. A two-way
wireless packet data modem from Motorola is built into every Envoy
communicator, allowing users to stay in touch wirelessly when access
to a phone line isn't convenient. Envoy communicator owners can also
access standard telephone lines to communicate, using the built-in fax
modem. And through the built-in infrared communications link, users
can instantly exchange data -- such as business card information --
between Envoy communicators.
The two wireless communication services offered to Envoy communicator
users, AT&T PersonaLink(SM) Service and RadioMail(TM), will be
connected via the ARDIS(R) nationwide wireless data communications
network, which serves more than 400 metropolitan areas in the United
States.
Communication and Productivity Software built in Motorola's Envoy
personal wireless communicator features a full complement of
integrated electronic mail and information services. Through
RadioMail, Envoy communicator owners can wirelessly communicate with a
broad population of electronic mail users via the Internet, and
commercial and public mail systems. America Online(R), which is also
built into the Envoy communicator, allows users to receive stock
quotes and also communicate with electronic mail users. Using
Telescript technology, AT&T PersonaLink Services will let Envoy
communicator users take advantage of personal intelligent assistants.
These intelligent assistants will make it easy for PersonaLink
Services subscribers to send smart electronic messages, seek out
information, and shop for products and services, using both wireless
and wireline means. The built-in Official Airline Guides (OAG(R))
Flightline(TM) service gives air travelers direct access to timely
flight information.
The Envoy communicator also comes with PenWare's PenCell(TM)
spreadsheet, a software program that's compatible with Lotus 1-2-3 and
Excel file formats, and provides powerful spreadsheet and graphing
capabilities to Envoy communicator users. Additionally, Motorola and
Intuit have entered into a letter of intent to build into the Envoy
communicator Pocket Quicken SmartWallet(TM), an application that lets
users capture and sort expenses in real time.
For maximum flexibility, the Envoy communicator features two PCMCIA
(Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) type II
slots, allowing Envoy communicator owners to simultaneously run
third-party software applications and add memory to store more
information.
To augment the functionality of the Envoy communicator, Motorola has
made it convenient for customers to purchase additional products and
services through the Motorola Software and Accessories Catalog,
packaged with each communicator. Motorola is working with multiple
independent software developers who have created a variety of
applications and services for the Envoy communicator; more than 15
applications, ranging from travel maps to daily news summaries, will
be available when the product ships.
Motorola's expertise in wireless technologies and semiconductors has
made it possible to miniaturize sophisticated circuitry, and fit it in
one small, portable package. The Envoy communicator weighs 1.7 lbs. and
measures 7.5 inches in width, 5.7 inches in height, and 1.2 inches in
depth.
Motorola's Envoy communicator will be available in the United States
this summer through multiple distribution channels.
The Envoy communicator is expandable, therefore future wireless
connectivity may be possible with other networks, such as Cellular
Digital Packet Data (CDPD), Mtel's Nationwide Wireless Network (NWN),
the Motorola Integrated Radio System (MIRS) service providers and RAM
Mobile Data.
The Wireless Data Group is part of Motorola's Messaging, Information
and Media Sector, and incorporates the company's business activities
involved in the design, manufacture and distribution of wireless data
communications products, infrastructure equipment and systems for
worldwide markets. Motorola, headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois,
is one of the world's leading providers of wireless communications,
semiconductors, and advanced electronic systems and services. Sales
in 1993 were $17 billion.
For further customer information on the Envoy communicator, please call
1-800-535-5775.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Motorola and Envoy are registered trademarks of
Motorola Inc. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the
property of their respective owners.
NOTE: For more information on product capabilities and applications
please refer to the Motorola Envoy Personal Wireless Communicator
Product Features Summary.
ENVOY1/4lan-lvoi, lan-1/4n 1 :a diplomatic agent
2 :REPRESENTATIVE, MESSENGER
(The New Merriam-Webster Dictionary)
Right out of the box, Motorola's Envoy(R) personal wireless communicator
has the ability to...
-- Wirelessly send a message from the back of a taxi to your colleague's
Envoy communicator, PC or fax, 3000 miles away.
-- Broadcast a single message to a group, with each member of that group
receiving the message in their preferred format.
-- Program your Envoy communicator to gather information based on your
requirements.
-- Schedule a meeting in your Envoy communicator's appointment book,
which automatically invites attendees.
-- Screen, route and organize messages to suit your preferences.
-- "Beam" a business card to another Envoy communicator across a
conference room table.
-- Access real-time scheduling and pricing information for U.S. airline
flights, then order your tickets via fax or electronic mail.
-- Keep track of contacts through an address book.
-- Receive daily news summaries and stock information.
-- Capture, organize and review business and personal expenses
on-the-go.
-- Gather, edit and analyze information in spreadsheets and graphs
compatible with Lotus 1-2-3 and Excel file formats.
-- Electronically shop in a mall.
And with additional third-party software, Motorola's Envoy personal
wireless communicator can also ...
-- Access maps that pinpoint exact addresses, hotels, restaurants and
business appointments, then automatically construct routes between all
of the above.
-- Automatically access specific financial information, news or mail
through CompuServe at pre-designated times throughout the day.
-- Print to practically any dot matrix, inkjet or laser printer.
-- Transfer information to and from your personal computer.
-- Check your spelling.
-- Draw a picture to supplement your text.
-- Use terminal emulation such as TTY, VT52, VT100 and ANSI, or use
add-on modules to access most popular on-line information systems.
-- Electronically access information on a variety of topics, from how to
buy a car to how to get the best buys on vacations.
-- Translate more than 600 useful expressions in any of six languages:
English, French, Italian, Spanish, German and Japanese.
Motorola Envoy(R)
Personal Wireless Communicator
Product Features Summary
The Motorola Envoy(R) personal wireless communicator is the first
hand-held device that provides two-way wireless, wireline and infrared
communications. It is powered by Motorola's Dragon chip set -- the
highly integrated 68349 processor and a special purpose ASIC referred
to as Astro. Based on General Magic's Magic Cap(TM) and
Telescript(TM) communication technologies, for which the Dragon chip
set was specifically designed, the fully integrated Envoy device can
communicate with popular public and private electronic mail systems,
Windows-based computers, Macintosh computers and fax machines, as well
as other Envoy communicators. Additionally, the device incorporates
tools to manage personal information, such as a datebook, address
book, notebook, filing system and calculator. Designed for both
business and personal use, the Envoy communicator offers an integrated
portable solution for communicating any time, anywhere.
Software Environment
Magic Cap - Magic Cap is an integrated software environment that
includes everything needed to communicate via fax and public electronic
mail services. It is also an object-oriented platform that makes
possible communicating applications such as those bundled with the Envoy
communicator.
Telescript - Built into the Magic Cap software, Telescript technology
opens a new world of electronic services to Envoy communicator users,
who can launch electronic agents to manage correspondence, shop and seek
out information on the AT&T PersonaLink(SM) Services.
Three Communication Modes
Two-Way Wireless - Motorola has developed a built-in, two-way wireless
packet data modem specifically for the Envoy communicator. With the
Envoy communicator, users can send and receive messages, fax and page
as well as access a variety of information. The two wireless
communications services offered to Envoy communicator users, AT&T
PersonaLink Services and RadioMail(TM), use the ARDIS(R) network, the
largest nationwide wireless data communications network.
Wireline - Users can communicate via wireline when wireless connectivity
is not necessary. The Envoy personal wireless communicator features a
fax and data modem, connecting users to any telephone network.
Infrared - Information can be swapped - or beamed - between two Envoy
communicators. Users can immediately exchange address card information
or an e-mail message, eliminating the need for users to re-key
information.
Additional Integrated Hardware Features
Two PCMCIA Type II Slots - For maximum flexibility, two PCMCIA slots are
built into the Envoy communicator so users can simultaneously run
third-party software applications and add memory to store more
information. (PCMCIA is an industry standard for portable computing
add-on cards, established by the Personal Computer Memory Card
International Association.)
Touch Screen - The Envoy communicator's touch screen has been optimized
for the Magic Cap platform and may be activated with either its stylus
or by finger touch. The screen features 480x320 resolution and 4-level
gray scale shading for sharp contrast.
MagicBus - A smart peripheral port allows users to connect the Envoy
communicator to a personal computer to exchange information. It also
connects the Envoy communicator to other optional peripherals such as
keyboards, scanners and printers. The MagicBus can daisychain up to six
devices and supports auto-configuring, hot plugging and hot removal.
Speaker and Microphone - A speaker and microphone lets Envoy
communicator users personalize their messages with sound. Users can
record up to a 20-second voice message or choose from a selection of
music stamps to accompany messages sent to other Envoy communicator
users or personal computers equipped with Magic Cap.
Removable/Rechargeable Battery - The Envoy communicator includes a NiCad
battery, which will provide approximately eight hours of power under
continuous use. The battery is self contained, so it can be removed and
replaced within seconds.
Hardware Security - 48-bit read-only circuitry implements a unique
device identification feature for theft deterrence, simplified
registration and device/owner authentication.
Microprocessor - Motorola's Dragon I(TM)/68349 microprocessor (3.3V,
highly integrated processor with DMA, serial controllers, 4K cache).
Memory - The Envoy communicator features 1MB of RAM; 4MB of ROM.
Data Input Choices
On-Screen QWERTY Keyboard - Information can be input through the
on-screen keyboard by either tapping with the accompanying stylus or by
finger touch. Users can choose the method most comfortable to them.
Freehand Writing and Drawing - With electronic ink, users can draw or
write personal notations, or send messages and faxes in their own
handwriting for a more personal touch.
Tools for Managing Personal Information
The Envoy communicator features a variety of tools for keeping the user
organized:
-- Address book - referenced from every function in the communicator:
mail, faxing, controlling telephone functions, calendar and all the
third-party applications;
-- Calendar from which you can schedule appointments automatically;
-- A note pad with structured formats including to-do lists;
-- Telephone interface with phone log, payment preferences and other
customizations;
-- World clock that keeps track of daylight savings time in different
time zones;
-- Calculator;
-- Filing capabilities that automatically file and discard
correspondence;
-- A tutorial and help system.
Personalized Communication Features
Users of the Envoy communicator can easily customize when and how mail
should be delivered or received, which senders are to be treated with
high priority, what subjects are to be filed or forwarded to others, and
many other means for organizing communication. Envoy communicator users
can add a personal touch to all their communication using rich built-in
capabilities such as:
-- Voice stamp - record a voice message, up to 20 seconds;
-- Music stamp - send musical tunes to accompany a postcard;
-- Graphics and animation - choose from interacting visuals to accompany
a postcard.
Integrated Services and Applications
The Envoy communicator's built-in software includes electronic mail,
information services and a suite of productivity packages:
-- AT&T PersonaLink Services - based on Telescript, intelligent agents
allow users to customize correspondence, shop for goods and services and
stay informed via wireline and wireless communications;
-- RadioMail - wireless messaging and information delivery service;
-- America Online(R) - users can communicate with a large population of
service subscribers and get stock quotes;
-- Official Airline Guides (OAG(R)) Flightline(TM) - travelers can get
flight and fare information using the Envoy communicator;
-- PenWare's PenCell(TM) - spreadsheets and graphs.
Additionally, Motorola and Intuit have entered into a letter of intent
to include Intuit's Pocket Quicken SmartWallet(TM) for expense tracking
and management.
More than 15 third-party software applications and services will be
available at the time the Envoy communicator is shipped. The software
can be purchased through the Motorola Software and Accessories Catalog
packaged with each communicator.
Physical Characteristics
The Envoy communicator is ergonomically designed with a 360-degree hinge
to fold compact, with handgrips on each side so it is easy to hold by
either left- or right-handed users. When closed, the Envoy communicator
is 7.5 inches wide, 5.7 inches high and 1.2 inches deep, and the screen
is fully protected. Its weight is 1.7 pounds, including the stylus and
both main and backup batteries.
Product Availability
The product includes the resident software packages, input stylus, main
and backup batteries, trickle charger, RJ-11 Y-adapter and user manual.
Envoy will be available through multiple distribution channels this
summer. Motorola Inc. Wireless Data Group 1201 E. Wiley Road, Ste. 103
Schaumburg, IL 60173 (708) 576-1600 Press Contacts: The Benjamin Group
Inc., (408) 559-6090 Mario Salvadori, Motorola, (708) 576-7164
CONTACT: Motorola
Mario SalvadorI, 708/576-7164
The Benjamin Group
Barbara Curl/Sheri Benjamin, 408-559-6090 or
1-800-SKY-PAGE Pin 895-3785
---------------------
Ben Burch Motorola Wireless Data Group:
Ben_...@msmail.wes.mot.com Makers of the Envoy(R) Personal
Wireless Communicator
Arthur Rubin
com> writes:
> NOTE TO EDITORS: Motorola and Envoy are registered trademarks of
> Motorola Inc. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the
> property of their respective owners.
For what it's worth, Envoy-100 is also the name of an Email network
run by Telecom Canada.
Arthur L. Rubin: a_r...@dsg4.dse.beckman.com (work) Beckman Instruments/Brea
216-...@mcimail.com 7070...@compuserve.com art...@pnet01.cts.com (personal)
John Gilbert
(Arthur Rubin) wrote:
> In <telecom...@eecs.nwu.edu> Ben Burch <Burc...@msmail.wes.mot.
> com> writes:
>> NOTE TO EDITORS: Motorola and Envoy are registered trademarks of
>> Motorola Inc. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the
>> property of their respective owners.
> For what it's worth, Envoy-100 is also the name of an Email network
> run by Telecom Canada.
Envoy was also the external product name of a Motorola tone-only pager that
is no longer being manufactured.
John Gilbert jo...@ecs.comm.mot.com