LG VX4500 From Verizon Wireless Offers Latest in Voice Command and Text-to-Speech Features

BEDMINSTER, NJ — Verizon Wireless, operator of the nation's most reliable wireless network, announced today that the LG VX4500 phone has been upgraded to make it even easier for people with visual disabilities to stay connected. Available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores today, the advanced speech output features of the upgraded LG VX4500 — such as the latest in voice recognition commands and two-way speakerphone technology — make it easier for low vision and blind customers to make calls, identify incoming calls, check the phone status and follow first level menu options.

The upgraded VX4500 phone features the following enhancements for blind or low vision customers:

• Digit dialing — speak the digits and the phone dials them.
• Dial by name — speak a name that has been programmed in the phone book and the phone will call that person.
• Voicemail indicator with speech — hear an announcement that there is a voicemail when a call is missed and a voicemail has been left.
• Caller ID with speech — hear either the name from the contact list or digits of the caller.
• Speech command list — set a prompt for a command upon flipping the phone open or only when the side key is pressed.
• Battery and signal notification — hear the status of the battery and signal strength, including updates on roaming status, service mode and GPS support information.

The upgraded LG VX4500 also offers a slight change to the phone's Command List, allowing vision-impaired customers to more easily navigate the phone's commands. Customers with an upgraded or new VX4500 phone can either say the following commands out loud, or scroll down the list to have the options read to them:

• Call Someone
• Voicemail
• Dial Digits
• Service Announcements
• Missed Calls
• Contact
• Driving
• Announce
• Time and Date
• Phone Status

"Verizon Wireless is proud to offer the visually impaired community another product to help them communicate," said John Comisky, vice president marketing — national operations for Verizon Wireless. "With the LG VX4500, our visually impaired customers can take advantage of the latest advancements in voice command and text-to-speech technology. To help meet customers' needs, we also offer Braille, large font or 3.5 diskette versions of the users manual as well as the option of receiving monthly billing statements, confirmation letters and collateral in Braille and large font formats."

Verizon Wireless customers who purchased an LG VX4500 prior to November 29, 2004 may take advantage of the new features by going to their local Verizon Wireless Communications Store and requesting a free software upgrade beginning today. Customers wishing to upgrade their software should expect the process to take approximately one hour. New customers should request the LG VX4500 with upgraded software when making their purchase.

Originally launched in January 2004, the LG VX4500 offers Verizon Wireless customers a sleek twist on LG's trademark clamshell design. The two-way speakerphone allows customers to speak hands-free with one push of a button. The LG VX4500 also functions as a personal organizer with a phone book that stores up to 499 names with five numbers and three email address per contact, a calendar with scheduler, built-in alarm clock, CMX MIDI sound, 36 standard ring tones and speed dialing. In addition, the LG VX4500 features English and Spanish language options, T9 text input, five-way navigation key, TTY/TDD, SMS capabilities and is E911 capable.

Through January 30, 2005, buy one LG VX4500 at $29.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a two-year customer agreement and receive up to three free. Verizon Wireless products and services are available in over 1,200 Verizon Wireless Communications Stores, at participating Best Buy, Circuit City and RadioShack locations and on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com.  

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 42.1 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com. To receive broadcast-quality video footage of Verizon Wireless operations, log onto www.thenewsmarket.com/verizonwireless.  

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