In the company’s annual general meeting this morning, Telstra CEO David Thodey unveiled what he claims will re-invent the home phone, T-Hub. The device doubles as an electronic photo frame and internet radio and gives Telstra customers the option to use a variety of online features.
In his address to his shareholders, Thodey discussed Telstra’s involvement in connecting people and how it continually tries to keep up with the latest technology.
“Telstra has a proud heritage – going back to 1901 – of keeping Australians connected to each other and the wider world,” he said.
“We have a long history of investing in new technology and we are now leading the rollout of a new generation of phones. It’s called the T-Hub.”
Thodey said that the T-Hub is designed to work exclusively with the Telstra network and offers consumers a unique device that goes beyond just making phone calls.
According to Thodey the new handset allows consumers to search the Yellow Pages online, send SMS to mobile numbers on the Telstra network and to most Australian fixed numbers, check the weather forecast or latest news, and schedule family events and appointments on the electronic calendar.
In addition to this the T-Hub can also be used as an electronic photo frame or internet radio.
“In short, this is about making home phone technology easier to use,” he said.
“T-Hub is in the T [life] store at the AGM today. If you like what you see, this is your chance to be the first customers in Australia to register your interest before it hits the shops early next year.”