D-Link FuChat Receives 2008 Bronze International Design Excellence Award

Published 20th August 2008

FuChat makes interaction with the phone a more personal experience by analysing user emotions...

LONDON, UK -- 20 August, 2008 – Strengthening its position as a leading technology innovator, D-Link today announced that it has received a Bronze award at the International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) 2008. The award was granted in the “Concepts and Prototypes of Communication Tools” category for the entry of a concept phone design called the “FuChat.”

Created by a member of D-Link’s Industrial Design Team, the FuChat serves as a next generation cordless phone that can make both landline and Internet calls. In addition, the phone features built-in sensors that can gauge the changes in a user’s voice and body temperature. Once the phone determines the user’s emotional state, it then responds to inform the user of their current status through sound, lights, and colour on the phone.

“It is a great honour to receive an award of this prestige, and it is an affirmation of the potential of D-Link’s quest for innovation in the consumer market," said Andrew Mulholland, UK Marketing Manager D-Link. "D-Link will maintain this momentum and lead the market in innovative communications solutions.”

Despite the FuChat’s breakthrough innovation and creativity, it remains true to D-Link’s core principals of ease of use and consideration for the environment. The FuChat incorporates online account management and support, which provides users with simple configuration and self-management of their phone through the Internet.

The FuChat will be made of renewable plastic to reduce its impact on the environment, further emphasising D-Link’s commitment to the protection of the environment.

At this year’s IDEA competition, a total of 1,517 entries were submitted, representing 30 countries worldwide. Of this total, D-Link was one of only 93 Bronze IDEA winners for theoretical product designs.