29 MARCH 2000 'You Got Mail' – and everything else as well Amstrad launches the next technology blockbuster The eagerly awaited Amstrad e-m@iler was launched today by Sir Alan Sugar, who unveiled the company's latest innovative technology product saying: "In true Amstrad tradition, the e-m@iler brings e-mail to the mass market for the first time in an easy to use format at a very affordable price. "This is achieved by way of a stylish telephone unit packed with features and fitted with an adjustable, backlit LCD screen and a portable databank with a capacity of up to 700 names and contact details. Add unique features such as automatic e-mail notification and collection, and you have a remarkable product. "The e-m@iler does not offer just e-mail access but also provides a digital answering machine, fax facilities and a portable databank – all at a compelling £79.99 price point. We are in production and the first shipments are already in stock in the High Street." "I see the e-m@iler becoming the 'all-in-one communications centre' in the home and is the blockbuster product Amstrad has been working on for the last eighteen months and which the market has been waiting for. And our software engineers have ensured that the e-m@iler is futureproof, with the ability to receive software upgrades down the telephone line as they become available." Amstrad claims that the Amstrad e-m@iler, with the service developed in collaboration with British Telecom, has the potential to change the communications habits of Britain's households in the same way that the company changed television viewing habits through Amstrad satellite equipment and working habits through the introduction of Amstrad personal computers across Europe. " Only one family in five has access to e-mail at home in Britain today", Sir Alan said. "The Amstrad e-m@iler will, I believe, increase this penetration closer to US levels due to its price and performance. I plan to see 1 million e-m@ilers installed in British homes within the next two years. There is no large capital outlay as there is with a PC, and there are no connection charges or monthly subscriptions for the product. Consumers are charged on the 'pay as you go basis' on their regular telephone bill." The e-mail service is being provided by BT, and Amstrad will receive a share of the e-mail call revenue through Amserve Limited, a subsidiary company formed to run this project. The £79.99 price of the Amstrad e-m@iler is subsidised by Amserve Ltd in order to make it a compelling addition for every home and office. Revenue for Amstrad will come from e-mail usage as well as from advertising routed through the e-m@iler to the owner of the unit. From time to time special offers will be shown on the screen. The user can respond simply by pressing a single button, or delete with a single, simple key push. For further information please contact Andrew Bloch/Eva Sogbanmu/Gavin Lewis at Frank PR 0207 693 6999 or Gavin@frankpr.it / Andrew@frankpr.it Go to News Headlines