Panasonic aims to merge landline and cellular contacts with “Cellular Phonebook Transfer”

While Sprint seems intent on killing off landlines by offering users the ability to call any mobile number from any carrier with their new Any Mobile, Anytime calling option, Panasonic has seemingly gone in the opposite direction with their latest announcement.

The have announced what they are referring to as the “industry’s first bluetooth enabled telephone featuring Cellular Phonebook Transfer.” Now, what that really means is that they are planning to allow users of a specific model phone to import (up to 600) contacts from their cell phone to their landline phone.

Given that, I have to ask, do people still keep contacts in a regular landline phone?

Anyway, this new feature will be available with a phone that (according to the release) goes by the name of KX-TG9382T. Assuming you purchase this phone, you will be able to import your cell phone contacts by selecting the “Phonebook Transfer” option in the menu.

In terms of other features on the KX-TG9382T, it is a “two-line phone that was designed for home-based businesses as well as residential customers” and has DECT 6.0 performance, is Energy Star certified and has a built-in digital answering machine that can store up to 40 minutes worth of messages. As far as pricing, expect to pay $169.95 for a base and one handset.

I would like to say this is interesting, but getting back to the whole contacts in my landline phone, maybe I am the odd one out here but I have never seen anyone really care or want this — especially in todays age of cell phones. In this case I think I will stick with Sprint and remain intent on killing off landlines.

Keep reading to check out the full press release…

PANASONIC INTRODUCES INDUSTRY’S FIRST BLUETOOTH ENABLED TELEPHONE FEATURING “CELLULAR PHONEBOOK TRANSFER”

Two-line DECT system allows transfer of up to 600 phonebook entries at the press of a button; also compatible with Bluetooth-enabled headsets

Atlanta, GA (September 10, 2009) – Panasonic today announced the first-ever landline telephone that enables users to transfer their cell phone contacts (up to 600 names and numbers) to its built-in directory via Bluetooth. It will be available at Amazon.com and major retailers nationwide this month.

“Until now, businesspeople and consumers have had to manage their cell phone and home or home office phone directories separately or at best, transfer phonebook entries one at a time, which is time-consuming,” said Bill Taylor, President of Panasonic Communications Company of North America. “With the KX-TG9382T, even a 600-name phonebook transfers in just a few minutes, so it’s easier than ever to keep your contacts at your fingertips.”

To transfer a cell phone address book of up to 600 entries, simply select the “Phonebook Transfer” option from the KX-TG9382T’s menu screen, and then follow the instructions for phonebook transfer onto a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone. The KX-TG9382T’s menu screen displays each entry as it quickly and automatically transfers each phonebook entry in alphabetical order, allowing users to track progress.

Additionally, the base unit can be paired with any Bluetooth-enabled headset so users can keep the conversation going in comfort while leaving hands free to write, type, or flip through files.

This two-line phone was designed for home-based businesses as well as residential consumers. It offers DECT 6.0 performance, is Energy Star® certified, includes a 40-minute digital answering machine, three-line conferencing capability, Silent Mode, and has a keypad and speakerphone on the base unit and handsets.

The KX-TG9381T (base unit and one cordless handset) carries a suggested retail price of $169.95 and the KX-TG9382T (base unit bundled with two cordless handsets) carries an SRP of $229.95. The system can be expanded to include up to six handsets, model KX-TGA939T, available individually at an SRP of $79.