A bitter battle is set to break out in the Australian cordless phone market with the entry of Siemens, the #1 cordless home phone manufacturer in the world. Under threat are Uniden, Panasonic, Telstra and Doro, along with any Asian manufacturer. Siemens claim that they are set to pose a serious threat to the Chinese-dominated market.
Hand made by robots, the Siemens phones are made in Europe and if anyone thinks that the brand’s threat to capture a major share of the Australian market is an idle one, think again because these guys are the #1 players in this space in the world.
An example of how good Siemens and their phone range are, is reflected in the fact that after entering the Chinese market in 2003 Siemens , in a space of only 31/2 years, are the #1 manufacturer up against a host of Chinese-made brands.
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Siemens have been a major player in cordless handset space since the introduction of the DECT standard for cordless handsets in 1993. The reason for their success they say is their effortless combination of cutting edge design and functionality that has resulted in its positioning as the world’s leading supplier of cordless phones. Since its inception, SHC’s cordless devices have maintained a leading position in the market, with figures now indicating that the popular Gigaset models are used in one of every two German households.
Thomas Bieg a Senior Director with Siemens Home & Office has spent the last 12 months jetting back and forth from Europe. During that time Siemens had conducted extensive research and are convinced that the market is “ripe” for a European cordless phone offering.
He said: “We have done a lot of work in the Australian market. We have built a team of experienced people and we are confident that with retail partners like Harvey Norman, Myer, David Jones and others that we will quickly capture share”.
He added: “We also have the added advantage of having a superior European designed and made phone which we believe will appeal to Australians over yet another Asian made model.”
Each of the new Siemens handsets has been designed to cater for the specific needs of the individual user, whether that be the style-conscious consumer, families with children or baby boomers.
A key to Siemens success is the design and functionality of their phones.
Made and designed in Europe the range released today for Australia includes the Gigaset SL370 and Gigaset SL375 which comes with an integrated answering machine.
The handset which won the iF Product Design Award for 2007 is a classic example of what Siemens is unleashing onto the Australian market. The compact exterior is a sleek metallic chrome and matte black design. It is also small and ultra-lightweight and has excellent sound.
This phone also has Bluetooth technology so that users can connect to a wireless headset and be free to roam hands free around a home.
In addition, the Bluetooth functionality enables individuals to seamlessly transfer contacts from a mobile phone to the handset, and vice versa. There is memory for 250 complete addresses, including three alternative phone numbers, an email address and a birthday per entry. The phone also features a Picture CLIP function which allows users to download photos from their PC and assign them to contacts, using new Gigaset QuickSync software.
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To complement the handset’s chrome and matte black finish, there is a separate chrome charger cradle that enables the Gigaset SL370 to be placed anywhere in the home. The Gigaset SL375 benefits from all of the outstanding features of the Gigaset SL370 together with an integrated answering machine with up to 40 minutes of recording time.
The Siemens Gigaset SL370, RRP $249, and Gigaset SL375, RRP $299, is available from all leading stores from 1 December.
The Gigaset E360 and Gigaset E365 (with integrated answering machine) are handsets that have been specifically designed to meet the needs of the baby boomer generation, by including features that negate the need to squint or fiddle with small buttons. Hearing aid compatible with large, illuminated keys and screen for those with poor eyesight, this handset boasts a combination of both style and functionality that offers security, ease-of use and elegance for the older generation. The Siemens Gigaset E360, RRP $179, is available from all leading stores from January 2008.
Boasting state-of-the-art technology, the Siemens Gigaset C470 IP and C475 IP (with integrated answering machine) is set to revolutionise internet telephony by allowing users to make calls without a PC. Specifically designed to effortless blend with any home’s surroundings, this sleek handset features dual mode functionality, enabling individuals to seamlessly switch between internet and fixed-line calls at the touch of a button. For ultimate flexibility, this handset allows users to access up to six SIP accounts from different VoIP providers directly on the handset. The Siemens Gigaset C470 IP, RRP $249, is available from all leading stores from 1 December.
The new Siemens Gigaset A260 and A265 (with integrated answering machine) are the ideal cordless phones for price-conscious consumers who place importance on quality and ease of use. The elegant handsets in a black and silver design offer everything needed for convenient use at home. Each model has an illuminated display and a phonebook for up to 50 names and numbers; the last 10 dialed numbers can be called using the redial function. In addition to the display, the Gigaset A260’s keypad is also illuminated, and the hands-free function ensures even greater mobility for cordless calls. For users who like to know who is calling as soon as the phone rings, the name or phone number of the caller is shown in the display of the two Gigaset models (CLIP function). The Siemens Gigaset A260, RRP $99, and Siemens Gigaset A265, RRP $129, is available from all leading stores from 1 December.
Siemens General Manager, Dean Verberne commented: “Siemens is a brand recognised and respected the world over, so it is an exciting move for us to introduce the Gigaset portfolio into the Australian market. The design and functionality components of each handset has cemented Siemens’ reputation as the technical and visual trend-setter for the style-conscious consumer, and I have no doubt that we can expect a long and successful relationship with the Australian public.”
