Harman Becker Signs Worldwide License For Cellport’s Patented Wireless Architecture; Technology Installed on Audi 2004 Models
Boulder, CO: Cellport Systems, creator of the wireless phone Personal Telematics patent portfolio, announced Harman Becker Automotive Systems Gmbh, a division of Harman International (NYSE: HAR), has signed a worldwide license to use Cellport’s innovative 2-part Plug & Play architecture for hands-free wireless connections to any vehicle. Harman Becker has initially installed this technology on Audi car models currently available in Europe and on U.S. models being shipped in the next several months. Cellport’s patented Plug & Play Personal Telematics architecture connects dozens of wireless handsets to one standard docking platform for convenient hands-free use. Interchangeable phone adaptors snap directly into a vehicle’s built-in system – linking the phone’s capabilities to the vehicle’s resources. “We are extremely happy to have Harman Becker as one of our licensees and very proud Audi will be using Harman Becker equipment and Cellport technology in their cars,” said Pat Kennedy, Cellport CEO. “With Harman Becker joining other Cellport licensees, our technology is now included on many U.S.- bound Mercedes, Audi and Rover vehicles.” Cellport’s technology merges a wireless handset’s voice, data and entertainment capabilities with a vehicle, providing convenient hands-free operation and entertainment system integration. The system provides a speaker, microphone, voice-activated dialing and external antenna for enhanced call clarity, while safely securing the phone. The technology also charges the phone and mutes the stereo/radio during a call. The Cellport-pioneered Personal Telematics technology market has experienced strong growth in Europe, with sales by automotive manufacturers more than doubling from 700,000 units in 2003 to 1.6+ million conservatively projected for 2004. “The explosive growth rate experienced by our licensees is partially due to growing hands-free laws in Europe,” said Andy Quartner, Cellport’s Vice Chairman. “However, the fact is, more people are looking for convenient and safer ways to use their wireless phone in their car or truck.” Cellport has invested more than $40 million over the past 11 years to develop its Telematics technology, whether built directly into a vehicle or installed as an after-market product. Harman Becker joins other licensees such as Motorola, Cullmann and Funkwerk Dabendorf in using Cellport’s technology to provide a new level of hands-free convenience to drivers. About Cellport Systems Founded in 1993, Cellport Systems is the worldwide leader in creating hands-free wireless communications and Personal Telematics architectures, holding substantial patent portfolios which focus on connecting wireless devices to vehicles. This has earned the company the reputation as a recognized authority on integrated hands-free vehicle communications systems that work with multiple wireless phones. Cellport Systems has developed open licensing programs to foster Personal Telematics technology around the globe through cooperative strategic partnerships in North America, Europe and Asia. |