Dubai, UAE, July 20, 2003 – Philips plans to put consumers in the driver’s seat with its futuristic iPronto device, the “dashboard” of the digital home. This advanced universal remote control provides consumers with a single, easy-to-manage platform to control technology in the home.
 
Using a combination of wireless technologies including WiFi™, the light and highly portable iPronto gives users easy control over a number of devices around the home, including home cinema components, lighting, security cameras, home networks, climate control and other systems controllable either by infra-red remote controls or Ethernet networking applications.
 
The iPronto is simple to operate with its high-resolution, 6.4-inch (16.26-cm) LCD touchscreen.  Owners can personalise the screen to match their requirements, creating a flexible and easy-to-use dashboard at their fingertips.  Consumers also can download iPronto Edit PC software from the dedicated Pronto website to create a customized device with channel logos and other multimedia content.
 
“Philips’ vision of the digital home extends beyond the living room and entertainment to serve the whole home.  Using our strengths in lighting, healthcare and household appliances we will be able to offer consumers a complete set of interlocking solutions that provide a more complete digital home living environment.  The availability of the iPronto is key to this vision as it enables the consumer to control all household appliances from a single device,” explained Robert van de Riet , CEO, Philips Country Organisation, UAE.
 
Easy to use Electronic Program Guide
Via WiFi wireless technology (IEEE 802.11b) and an always-on broadband Internet connection, the iPronto can acquire TV programming information using the device’s Electronic Program Guide, as well as enabling users to access Internet content like news and e-mail. Furthermore, the use of always-on broadband Internet connectivity means that new features, software and services can be sent to the unit at the consumer’s request. 
 
The iPronto features a number of components to enhance the consumer experience and is equipped to handle future feature upgrades: for example, a built-in microphone and speakers will enable the addition at a later stage of applications such as voice recognition and telephony. The iPronto also includes USB connectivity and a flash media card slot for uploading future applications or adding accessories. The battery-powered iPronto is also supplied with a charger and a lithium ion battery.
 Complements the existing Pronto range of universal remote controls
The new iPronto complements Philips’ existing Pronto range of universal remote control devices. This range offers a convenient single solution for controlling audio and video products and, in many cases, home cinema systems.
 
The top-of-the-line Philips ProntoPro universal remote control features a 256-colour, high-resolution touch-screen and contains a comprehensive on-board database of infra-red codes, allowing it to memorize home cinema devices in seconds. This allows codes to be added, enabling Philips Prontos to control both existing devices as well as new products not yet in the database.
 
The stylish Philips Next Generation Pronto, which is finished in a polished silver and grey casing, matches its looks with powerful performance, including 4 megabytes of flash memory and a 3.8-inch (9.6-cm) LCD screen capable of displaying up to 16 levels of grayscale. Along with RF connectivity, the Pronto NG also includes a USB connection for easy access to the ProntoEdit function.
 
All Pronto models are supplied with Pronto Edit software, which allows consumers to import graphics, such as channel icons or pictures of their own A/V components. It also provides an easy environment for creating and editing macro commands, customizing menus and laying out onscreen virtual buttons, enabling control of other devices via a single tap of the Pronto’s screen.
 
-Ends-
 
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands is one of the world's biggest electronics companies and Europe's largest, with sales of EUR 31.8 billion in 2002. It is a global leader in colour television sets, lighting, electric shavers, medical diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring, and one-chip TV products. Its 166,000 employees in more than 60 countries are active in the areas of lighting, consumer electronics, domestic appliances, components, semiconductors, and medical systems. Philips is quoted on the NYSE (symbol: PHG), London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and other stock exchanges. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter
 
Louis Hakim
Corporate Communications and Brand Manager
Philips Electronics Middle East and Africa
louis.hakim@philips.com
Tel: 04 - 33 53 666
Fax: 04 – 309 5160

© Press Release 2003