McKinney, Texas – Biscotti today formally introduced its
first product, the Biscotti TV Phone, a device that uses Wi-Fi to allow phone
and video calling through any TV.
Boasting a small footprint that is shaped like, well, a
biscotti, the device sits on or near a TV and allows unlimited free calls to
other Biscotti devices as well as to computers, tablets and smartphones
supporting Google Talk and Google’s open video standard.
Biscotti features a high-definition camera, a microphone
with a range of about 40 feet, and a six-button remote that controls the device
while a user watches TV. It can be set to automatically answer calls from
select contacts and turn on the TV when a call is coming in, among other
functions.
Biscotti works with Wi-Fi uplink speeds as low as 256 Kbps
and delivers true HD video at speeds of 1 Mbps or greater, according to
Biscotti founder Matthew Shoemake. It is compatible with any HDMI-enabled TV,
cable or satellite box. There are no additional fees for service.
“Video calling is growing at an enormous rate — nearly 50
percent per year,” said Shoemake. “Still, only one in five people have ever
made a video call, citing technical complexity, expense or lack of spontaneity.
Biscotti solves this as the first single-purpose, dedicated TV phone. It’s
simple to set up and as easy to use as a home phone.”
Biscotti TV Phone is now available for sale in the United
States and Canada at
for a $199 retail price. Products will
begin shipping to select retailers on Nov. 21.
It ships with a power adapter, mount kit and a setup guide.
Biscotti is a privately held Texas-based company backed by
Palomar Ventures of Santa Monica, Calif.
