New Panasonic cordless phones have Bluetooth link to cellphones

The KX-TH111S provides the use of one regular phone line in addition to the Link-to-Cell Bluetooth connection. This gives the option of using either the regular phone line or the cellular phone from any handset in the home. The KX-TH111S offers the convenience of holding and cradling a comfortable handset, while conversing on a cell line. Other benefits of the new technology include the ability to have one’s cell phone answered by the built-in 60 minute answering machine, reducing landline phone bills by using excess or "free" cell minutes for long-distance calls and elimination of the need to share home phone numbers with business contacts.

According to Panasonic, consumers will be able to enjoy such advanced features as Panasonic's exclusive Talking Caller ID, 60-minute digital TAD capacity, message screening, and comfortable, easy-to-use handsets, while taking advantage of their free cellular minutes or using their landline for other purposes such as faxing or connecting to the Internet.

The new Link-to-Cell models, which support up to eight handsets, are also suitable for people who have dropped their landline phone companies in favor of using cell phones as their primary communications device.

Features common to both new Link-to-Cell models include simple registration and access of up to five cell numbers, Talking Caller ID, comfortable handsets with large, easy-to-read LCD displays and multi-color LED incoming-call indicators, diversity base-station antennas for maximum wireless range and interference rejection, advanced-function dialing from handset or base station, unique ring tone for cellular calls and the ability to route specified cellular phone to a specific handset.

Link-to-Cell models include the KX-TH111S (SRP $229.95) with one landline and one Bluetooth link that can make and receive calls from up to five cell phones, and the KX-TH112S (SRP $249.95), which has two landlines and one Bluetooth link. Both models include one handset and an integrated base station/TAD with 60-minute recording capacity and are expandable to eight handsets. They are currently available.