Viable’s Response to Amy Cohen Efron’s questions!

It is my greatest delight to share my e-mail correspondence with Glenn Lockhart, Corporate Communications of Viable, Inc., and Mr. Lockhart took away from his incredibly busy time to answer my questions, and adding more information for all of you to learn about this revolutionary product, the world’s first portable and wireless videophone, VPAD!

I contacted Viable congratulating for their successful unveiling and informed them that the readers (including me) are very anxious to learn bit more about the product. Glenn responded back in this morning:

Morning!

The media attention has been unbelievable. We came here to showcase our
innovation, but never did we dream that we would actually hang with the big
boys, much less beat them in terms of media interest and coverage. There were
over 750 journalists and bloggers from more than 20 countries… it was
overwhelming at times, and the best thing is that many were interested in deaf
culture, ASL, deafness, etc, in addition to the VPAD. I really think it was a
major win for the D/HH community.

I’ll get back to you with responses to your questions as soon as I get
confirmation from Engineering on the accuracy of some information I’d like to
share.

I’ll also be emailing you pictures, to give you an idea of the media craze at the Viable booth.

One more thing–we’ll be on NBC tonight, but I’m unsure when yet. The excitement just doesn’t stop.

Picture of Jason Yeh, Viable, Inc.’s COO displaying VPAD to one of the cameramen…

Picture of CNN Reporter interviewing Anthony Mowl of Viable, Inc.

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Then, recently in a few minutes ago, Glenn sent a lengthly email responding to each of my questions!

Amy Cohen Efron: Does this VPAD come with rechargeable batteries?

Viable: The first-generation models of the VPAD requires AC power, and we will address that in the next generation models (oh yes, we’re already thinking ahead to VPAD 2.0).

Amy Cohen Efron: Does this VPAD’s Power 12V DC with AC power adapter compatible with DC to AC Car Adapter if I need to plug in my car?

Viable: Yes, you could purchase a power adapter.

Amy Cohen Efron: How heavy is it? It comes with a carrying case, and I want to know how heavy I’ll have to carry this.

Viable: A few pounds. The VPAD is transportable, no question about it. It comes with a protective sleeve and will fit in laptop cases, a regular backpack, between layers of clothes in your suitcase, etc.

Amy Cohen Efron: Since it comes with an option using Ethernet jack or Wireless. What kind of wireless standard? Is it 802.11g or 802.11b? Or is it similar to our pager’s wireless standard? GPRS (new international wireless standard) available to GSM (Global System for Mobile telecommunications) networks? PCS networks? Which one????

Viable: The VPAD can operate on both the 802.11g or 802.11b standards.

Amy Cohen Efron: This VPAD comes with Audio/Video In/Out – connecting with TV? DVD? LCD Projector? What is the purpose of having audio/video in/out slots?

Viable: You tell us. The possibilities are varied—the VPAD can be connected to a TV, Camcorder, VHS, etc., for display or recording. It also can be used to display video content from a DVD player or a camcorder, and can TRANSMIT the image to the other party (imagine this scenario: You call someone using the VPAD then show video of a precious niece’s birthday party).

Amy Cohen Efron: This VPAD has SD Card, and it seems like it can be used as Digital Picture Frame. What are other files I can download from SD Card? Can I download videos?

Viable: You’re correct, the VPAD can function as a digital picture frame. It doesn’t support video at this time, though.

Amy Cohen Efron: This VPAD comes with USB 2.0 slot (how many? only one?) and can I connect with any kind of USB keyboard?

Viable: The VPAD has only one USB slot, which you can then plug in a wide selection of USB-complaint devices. For example, any USB keyboard, either wired or wireless.

Amy Cohen Efron: This VPAD comes with headset, for who? for VCO users?

Viable: For VCO users and anyone else who might wish to have audio. You can also hook up the VPAD to speakers.

Amy Cohen Efron: It would be great that the flash video demonstration has a zoom feature for me to zoom-in to see the product closely, especially the slot areas.

Viable: Great suggestion, we’ll look into that. Do watch for a video clip to be posted onto our website (www.viable.net), we have one that is tremendous in demonstrating the VPAD in living color.

Amy Cohen Efron: What kind of interface the VPAD will be showing? Is it the same with Viable Vision interface?

Viable: We based the interface around the touch screen, so it is different from Viable Vision (http://www.viable.net/product/vv) but your profile is remote so you can switch from the VPAD to Viable Vision on any PC and still access your profile, speed dial list, etc. We intend for the VPAD and Viable Vision to provide a seamlessly integrated experience.

Amy Cohen Efron: How can I get this product? How much does it cost? How will this be distributed?

Viable: We are still testing it internally and plan to kick off beta testing soon. Full-scale, nationwide distribution will come next, but how we approach that hasn’t been determined. We really don’t want to take shortcuts in readying the VPAD.

Amy Cohen Efron: What way people can call in? Using 10-digit phone number or IP address? I sincerely hope it is 10-digit phone number.

Viable: Two options exist as of now: An IP address or a Viable Screen Name (VSN – see http://www.viable.net/product/vsn).

Amy Cohen Efron: Will I use this VPAD to make VRI (Video Relay Interpreting) calls with understanding that I pay for the services?

Viable: That is a possibility, as is almost everything else with the VPAD. It wasn’t designed that way but truly is much more than a videophone.

Amy Cohen Efron: Will this VPAD have a basic operating system including email/AIM/ICQ procotol?

Viable: Not at first release. We do have a long list of adds and upgrades on our wish list for VPAD 2.0

Amy Cohen Efron: Do I need to purchase a new wireless router for this VPAD?

Viable: If you have a wireless router already, the VPAD will work. You also have the option of plugging it in with an Ethernet cable or utilizing the USB port to connect to your ISP (i.e. your BlackBerry).

I’d like to add more information on the VPAD not covered in your questions:

The VPAD can connect to any SIP- or h.323-compliant videophone application or hardware.

The VPAD has a kickstand but can be mounted on the wall; it is compatible with VESA standards, which is universal.

The visual and audio alerts system is versatile; the VPAD has LED lights that can go blue, red, green, etc, in various patterns (flash, slow tone, or in creative random patterns). You can set the alert to go off for a limited period of time or continuously until the call is answered. With audio, you can set the alert from a range of loudness and choose from ringtones. You can even plug in certain complaint devices using the RJ-11 port and have the room lights go off or your couch vibrate when there is an incoming call.

And of course, video compression: The VPAD transmits video at 30 FPS, bringing clarity even to the sloppy fingerspellers among us.

People wanting to know more should contact our Customer Support Representatives (http://www.viable.net/support). They really are the best. Customer Support and our website are your sources for the latest information on the VPAD and everything we do at Viable.

Thanks so much for giving me this opportunity.

Glenn Lockhart
Corporate Communications
Viable, Inc.
VRS: ViableVRS.TV
www.viable.net

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Thank you so much, Glenn for answering my questions.

Congratulations, Viable, Inc. for your successful unveiling at the CES conference.

I want to add my short video montage honoring the history of videophones with you all.

[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/k2X9QB7xwQ0" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]

Best,
Amy Cohen Efron