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News
Issue #2001 - 16
(Apr. 2001)
(Updated
April 18, 2001)
DEVICES
Wireless Camera Coming from Metricom and Ricoh
Betting that the 3G
landscape will create a demand for sophisticated wireless cameras,
Metricom, maker of the Ricochet wireless modem, has partnered with
equipment provider Ricoh to launch the Ricoh’s RDC-i700 camera
that incorporates the Ricochet wireless modem. This wireless device
can transmit images at speeds of 128 kbps.
Besides taking photos, the RDC-i700 allows the user to send and
receive e-mail and browse the Web. Designed for high-speed wireless
connectivity, the camera can transmit images in documents or HTML
files, send them to fax machines, upload them at an FTP site, or
e-mail them as attachments. For the savvy user, the 3.34-megapixel
camera can also capture video.
The companies are targeting not only the individual consumer but
also the business professional in such markets as insurance, real
estate, construction, and emergency services.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency in the U.S. has been
using the device for accessing aerial photographs in real-time,
according to MBizCentral.
Anticipating high demand among tech-savvy consumers, Jeff Lengyel,
Ricoh’s manager of wireless imaging told MBizCentral, that for the
first 30 to 60 days the camera will be available only through Ricoh
and then based on customer response, other distribution channels
will be opened. This is all in an effort not to be caught off guard
by consumer requests that cannot be fulfilled.
For more information: http://www.metricom.com
Mobileinfo Comments and Advisory: We
have never been enthused by wireless multi-media in the short run. Our
views run against many reports which indicate strong demand.
Unfortunately forecasters do not understand the term "at what
price will operators offer bandwidth for multi-media. It is a great
innovation but it will stay as niche application for news industry to
report from the field where they can justify the price. Someday, the
bandwidth will be plenty and prices will be low. That day is not
tomorrow but much later in future. Of course, we do see good potential
for Bluetooth-synchronized multi-media distribution, not for
Metricom.
Note: This news release may contain
forward-looking statements. Readers should take appropriate caution in
developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology
architectures. All trademarks used in this summary are
the property of their respective owners.
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