AT&T introduces HomeManager service

September 25, 2008 - AT&T has introduced a new service called AT&T HomeManager, an innovative home phone device that combines access to Internet content and popular wireless phone applications with a traditional home phone service.

HomeManager provides access from anywhere in the home to a lineup of features including visual voice mail, weather reports, email access, local news, a portable speakerphone and AT&T Yellow Pages, and can also act as a digital photo frame. The service is initially available in nine AT&T markets - Chicago, Atlanta, Austin, Texas, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, San Diego and Los Angeles.

“HomeManager represents the next generation of home communications,” said Brian Shay, senior vice president of converged services for AT&T. “We’re building on the reliability of our wireline platform and advancing it with touch screens, mobile phone applications, visual voicemail and more. A phone today is not just for talking — it’s about having the content and the information that’s important to you right at your fingertips.”

Home phone calls can be made over a traditional wireline or VoIP connection using either the touch-screen device, which also functions as a portable speakerphone, or a cordless handset (also provided). AT&T collaborated with Samsung to develop the service, which is available to new and existing AT&T high speed Internet and residential wireline customers, including AT&T U-verse TV and Voice customers, for a one-off payment of $299.