Toyota to sell driver-friendlier phones

BLADDER_MASTER · Aug 30, 2006

Toyota to sell driver-friendlier phones

Toyota Motor and wireless carrier KDDI have developed a mobile phone designed to make it easier for drivers in Japan to tap into navigation, entertainment and emergency services, the companies said Wednesday.

The phone, called Timo, will go on sale in late October and will be sold only at the automaker's 7,500 outlets in Japan, the companies said in a statement.

Toyota has been working closely with KDDI, in which the carmaker has an 11 percent stake, to develop new services that link cars and telecom networks.

The new handset will be compatible with Toyota's car navigation system via Bluetooth, a wireless technology.

The companies have also developed a phone battery charger that can be attached to the driver's armrest and will offer downloads of music and games free to Timo owners.

Drivers will also be able to connect to emergency centers by just pushing a button on the handset if they need help while on the road.

KDDI, Japan's No.2 wireless carrier after NTT DoCoMo, is keen to introduce new services before Oct. 24, when mobile phone users will be able to keep their phone numbers when they change operators.

KDDI was formed in 2000 after a merger of three operators, including a mobile phone unit backed by Toyota. Toyota is now KDDI's second-biggest shareholder after Kyocera. The new model is based on an existing KDDI phone made by Toshiba.

Source: http://news.com.com/Toyota to sell driver-friendlier phones/2100-1039_3-6110833.html

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Toyota to sell driver-friendlier phones

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