US Electronics Debuts First XAct FRS Wristwatch
By Amy Gilroy -- TWICE, 8/5/2002
NEW YORK— US Electronics, the exclusive distributor of BellSouth-branded FRS products, is launching a new brand of high-styled, high-tech products called XAct Communications. The first product will be an FRS wristwatch.
US Electronics said the new XAct Communications brand will feature unique products aimed at the youth and young adult markets. The FRS watch, called XAct WristLinx, will ship this fall and several other XAct products are expected to be shown at CES in January, said US Electronics executive sales manager David Rose.
He noted that BellSouth and XAct products will be developed separately by different design teams operating under different philosophies.
The new XAct WristLinx, is a stylish watch that acts as a 22-channel, ½ watt FRS/GMRS radio. It is expected to ship to all current US Electronics FRS dealers and will carry a list price in the $40-$50 range.
"This is the first FRS watch that we are aware of," Rose said. "If you look at the tremendous growth in FRS/GRMS, what you see is very wide variety of products. They have different technologies and channels, but they are all handhelds. Apart from the colors, size or shape, they are still all based on the traditional walkie talkie form."
Rose said the unit is ideal for parents who want to communicate by FRS with their kids, as the kids are less likely to lose the watch than a handheld FRS. Another FRS watch, with a different design, is expected to be offered under the BellSouth brand this fall.
