More consumers than ever before are ditching land lines in favor of cell phones, but there’s still something to be said for the convenience of having a desk phone. AltiGen Communications is using Macworld Expo to debut the iFusion SmartStation, which lets your iPhone be the center of your desktop communication setup.
[ad#Google Adsense 300×250 in story]The iFusion SmartStation incorporates a dock connector and cradle, and works with iPhone 3G, 3GS and 4. It connects to the device using Bluetooth (supporting A2DP streaming), and incorporates Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology to improve the audio quality of your cell-based conversations. Simply pull up your contacts in the iPhone’s Address Book and make calls.
In addition to a wired handset, the iFusion SmartStation sports a full-duplex speakerphone, USB connector (if you want to sync your iPhone with a Mac or PC while it’s charging) and a stereo mini connector, to attach to an external soundsystem or speakers, if you want to use the SmartStation to listen to music on your phone. While the iPhone rests in the cradle, the SmartStation tops off its battery.
Want to use a Bluetooth earpiece? No problem – the iFusion SmartStation doesn’t get in the way of iPhones that support Bluetooth multipoint technology. It also works with VoIP and SIP applications; AltiGen is also making available an iOS app that provides more sophisticated SIP functionality for enterprises that plan to use the SmartStation. Of course, it also works with FaceTime on the iPhone 4.
The device is expected in the early second quarter of 2011 and will cost $169. Debuting at Macworld Expo in San Francisco, the iFusion SmartStation is available for pre-order for $149. AltiGen plans to make the SmartStation available in both black and white.