Motorola Reaches For Kids With Disney

BURBANK, CALIF.— Taking a stab at the youth market, Motorola announced a partnership with Disney Consumer Products to manufacturer and distribute a line of 2.4GHz cordless home phones and two-way radios based on Disney characters.

The products will feature both the Disney and Motorola brand names and ship in October.

"We are bringing our new electronic products to life by incorporating the characteristics and personalities of Disney characters into the physical and virtual interface of each product," said Andy Mooney, president of Disney Consumer Products Worldwide.

The new two-way radio (sold in pairs, with a suggested retail price of $59.99) has a two-mile range, is compatible with all FRS two-way radios, and features 14 FRS channels, each with 38 Interference Eliminator Codes to reduce interference.

The models include the Princess, Classic and Adventure and feature the voices of Disney characters, including Cinderella, Mickey Mouse and Disney/Pixar's Buzz Lightyear, respectively, in place of electronic call tones.

In addition, the two-way radio features easy-to-use visual displays and operational buttons.

The 2.4GHz cordless telephone (suggested $59.99), available in the Classic and Princess models, features ring tones inspired by Disney characters, caller ID, and a base that uses Disney character phrases to page the handset if misplaced within the household.

The two companies announced that more products in other CE categories will debut in spring 2003.

"Moving forward, we will continue to work with premiere companies to expand the Disney consumer electronics portfolio to include products in every category, designed specifically to meet the needs of children and families," Mooney said.

"Motorola's new business relationship with Disney Consumer Products gives us a tremendous opportunity to expand our market to a younger audience," said Frank Myers, corporate VP and general manager, Motorola Consumer Products Division.