Grandstream Releases IP Multimedia Phone

Voice over IP and end-to-end video solution manufacturer Grandstream Networks announced the availability of the GXV3140 IP Multimedia Phone, a broadband IP multimedia phone that marries Web and social multimedia applications with free, real-time IP video and voice calling. The phone is available immediately through Grandstream's worldwide channel partners for a suggested retail price of $299.

With an estimated 57 percent of adults in the U.S. having broadband access to the home, Grandstream argues the Internet makes it easier than ever to deliver real-time video to a small office/home office (SOHO) venture. The GXV3140 is portable and delivers face-to-face video calling over broadband with "IP Video Talk", embedded software in the phone that enables free peer-to-peer calling out of the box. For larger picture projection, the GXV3140 can be plugged into a computer or TV.

"The media phone market, for both businesses and consumers, seems poised to take off with a number of communications vendors introducing new media phones this year for the home or office," said T3i Group analyst Sandra Gustavsen. "While one can see the many benefits in combining a telephone with video and Internet content, the phone's price will be a key factor in our current economy."

She said Grandstream's GXV3140 offers users a multimedia experience complete with a full duplex speakerphone, IP video conferencing and support for today's popular social multimedia applications for a price that competes well with other new "consumer-oriented" media phones, but which is significantly lower than other "business" media phones entering the market."

Grandstream CEO David Li said the integration of multimedia and video conferencing capability in an IP phone device lets anyone with broadband access enjoy the power of some PC-grade social multimedia applications and the always-on convenience of the home telephone. "With the built-in free peer-to-peer video calling capability, the GXV3140 allows people to easily and economically stay in close face-to-face contact with family, friends and business associates."

Other key features of the phone include a full HTML Web browser, You Tube streaming capability, instant messaging with support for Yahoo, MSN and Google, personalized RSS feeds, a 4.3-inch 480x272 digital color LCD and 1.3M pixel camera with privacy shutter, full duplex speakerphone and peripheral support including TV-Out, USB and SD, among others.

"The GXV3140 has something for everyone," Li said, noting the product was recently awarded Technology Marketing Corporation (TMC) 2009's Innovation and Next Generation Network Product of the Year. "Even individuals that are not as tech savvy or don't own a PC can feel "with it" by utilizing the video capabilities of the GXV3140 as well as the latest and greatest Internet entertainment and information applications like weather, music, photos, video streaming and many more."