Communication corporations losing landline customers by the thousands since 2008 have been offering new mobile options, while electronics manufacturer Panasonic seems to going in the opposite direction with releasing a new landline phone. Panasonic announced today they’ve upgraded their Bluetooth-enabled landline phones with the new KX-TG9382T that allows users to transfer up to 600 contacts from their cellular phonebook.
According to the Federal Communication Commission about 25% of Americans rely solely on mobile phones, while 17% use only landlines. Panasonic said the creative initiative behind this new product was to combine cellular and home directories within a single device as a convenience for “home-based businesses as well as residential consumers.” The KX-TG9382T is a two-line phone providing the user with three-line conferencing capabilities and a built-in digital answering machine with 40 minutes of storage—and that can be paired with any Bluetooth-enabled headset as Panasonic suggests for “hand-free comfort.”
“Until now, businesspeople and consumers have had to manage their cell phone and home or home office phone directories separately or at best, transfer phonebook entries one at a time, which is time-consuming,” said Bill Taylor, President of Panasonic Communications Company of North America. “With the KX-TG9382T, even a 600-name phonebook transfers in just a few minutes, so it’s easier than ever to keep your contacts at your fingertips.”
A base unit with one cordless handset, the KX-TG9381T, runs a retail price of about $169.95, while the KX-TG9382T featuring two cordless handsets carries an SRP of $229.95. The system can be expanded to include up to six handsets and is available through Amazon.com and most major electronics retailers.
