Siemens Offers Free GPRS Upgrades to Handset Owners

Siemens IC Mobile has announced a free software upgrade for existing S45 and ME45 cellphone users. Through a simple download procedure that can be completed at home, the free upgrade incorporates GPRS Class 8 to bring an estimated 33% increase in data transmission speeds and a range of additional features, including EMS capability and the interactive game Kung-Fu. Siemens also announced the S45i, developed from the S45 with new features such as e-mail client, which will be available from May 2002 in two colours.

Downloaded via the Internet, using a data cable, the upgrade can be quickly and easily completed at home which enables consumers to benefit from the additional features instantly. Transmission and transfer of information and access to the internet is made significantly quicker through the incorporation of GPRS Class 8 and the update allows the office features of the S45 and ME45 to be synchronized with Microsoft Outlook via the infrared link.

This concept of soft upgrades could make Siemens handsets seem more appealing to the "first movers" who want a latest handset but resent loosing out features that are introduced on later models. The free software upgrade of the S45 and ME45 will be available to consumers free of charge from March 2002.

The S45i will go on sale across Europe and Asia from May 2002 and will be in the same price range as the S45."

Posted to the site on 13th March 2002