Communication Briefs

Las Vegas — Motorola said that it would offer a VoIP adapter as a module in its SD4500 series of expandable 2.4GHz digital cordless phones later this year. The module would plug directly into a broadband modem for placing IP calls via the cordless handset. The company had previously announced the SD4500 system with a cell-to-landline and audio/video monitor modules. Pricing and IP service provider were yet to be determined, the company said.

Las Vegas — Sakar introduced its mousepad caller ID speaker phone as part of the company's new executive men's collection called Maximo Concepts. The device is a mousepad with a built-in speakerphone featuring caller ID, a built-in phone book with memory for 110 entries, and an electronic calculator that supports up to 11 digits. The unit also features a 16-digit-wide caller ID display, memory for up to 90 previous calls and the last eight outgoing numbers called, 16 different hold melodies, 48 ringer melody options and a real-time alarm clock. A red LED lights for incoming calls, and the unit draws power from three AA batteries. It also offers a headphone jack. It will ship this month for a suggested $49.99, in blue, white, silver and wood grain.

Las Vegas — VoIP provider Vonage announced a partnership with UTStarcom to offer its subscribers Wi-Fi handsets for placing IP calls through hot spots. Vonage will offer UTStarcom's F-1000 handset configured with its service to consumers by the spring or summer. The phone will place calls across 802.11b networks. The handset is SIP-enabled and features a talktime of up to four hours and a standby time of up to 80 hours, with an up to three-hour recharge time. More details will be available closer to the launch of the service.