Category Archives: Releases

MULTIVOICE Expands Management Team



PROVO, Utah, May 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — MULTIVOICE™ today announced the expansion of its management team. New members of the MULTIVOICE management team include
  • Todd Rapier as President,
  • David Politis as Chief Marketing Officer,
  • Rob Vickery as Senior Vice President of Business Development, and
  • Dustin Fraser as Vice President of Product Development.
Additionally, MULTIVOICE has named Rapier, Politis and Fraser as Co-Founders. “I’m excited about the expansion of MULTIVOICE’s management team,” said Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Ron Fraser, “as each member brings experience and expertise that will help accelerate MULTIVOICE’s success.”

Todd Rapier, President
Rapier joins MULTIVOICE after spending the past two years as the executive vice president of worldwide sales at MultiLing. Prior to MultiLing, he was director of sales and marketing at Velosum, founder of Lucion, and a sales manager at LexisNexis. Rapier attended Brigham Young University. According to Ron Fraser, Rapier’s extensive knowledge of sales, management and telecommunications make him a perfect fit for the role of president of MULTIVOICE as he is an expert in growing companies and company revenue, and he has increased momentum for each of his former ventures. “It’s rare to have an opportunity to shape and lead a company that will change the face of mobile group communications,” Rapier said. “But that’s the very opportunity we have with MULTIVOICE, and we are pumped to help transform this vision into a reality.”

David Politis, Chief Marketing Officer
Politis specializes in developing and deploying comprehensive strategic marketing and marketing communications programs. As CMO, he will use his 30+ years of industry experience to bring awareness of MULTIVOICE to the various vertical markets the company is targeting. During his career, Politis has helped drive more than $1.1 billion in increased corporate valuations. Prior to joining MULTIVOICE he spent four years as the CMO of Xi3 Corporation where he was responsible for introducing and launching new products, interfacing with strategic partners and investors, and serving as its primary spokesman. Previously, Politis was the president and CEO of Politis Communications for over 20 years, a tech-focused PR agency in the Rocky Mountain region. He also founded and led SOAR Communications for five years, an outdoor- and recreation-focused marketing agency. Politis has a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from BYU.

Rob Vickery, Senior Vice President of Business Development
Vickery joins MULTIVOICE with a 25-year track record in entrepreneurship, marketing, sales, product development and operations. He is an experienced strategist for developing and penetrating markets for technology-based products and services using a disruptive innovation framework. Vickery also brings a broad range of experience across such industries as high-tech, wireless, financial services, healthcare and manufacturing and he was also involved with numerous venture-backed start-ups since 1992. For example, he was a member of the management team of Pandesic, a joint venture of Intel and SAP, and led business development activities for the firm. Vickery was also a member of the management team of Industry.Net Corporation, a pioneering electronic marketing and e-commerce company that merged with AT&T Business Network in 1996 to form Nets, Inc. More recently, he was a co-founder of two San Diego based companies, Change.com and CoachLogix, while also serving as a member of the board of directors at MultiLing. Vickery has a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Computer Science from Wright State University.

Dustin Fraser, Vice President of Product Development
Fraser brings with him marketing and sales experience along with product design creativity. He was instrumental in the design and production of MULTIVOICE’s MV900™ and MV-NEXUS™ Wireless Mesh-Network Intercoms™, as well as its MV-COMBINER™ personal wireless gateway. In his role at the company, Fraser will continue to help in developing cutting-edge products for MULTIVOICE. Prior to MULTIVOICE, he was a marketing manager at Arlington Scientific and vice president of sales for Satellite Experts. Fraser has a bachelor’s degree in Business, Management and Marketing from Utah Valley University.

About MULTIVOICE

Formed in 2011, MULTIVOICE is poised to disrupt the two-way wireless radio industry with its Wireless Mesh-Network Intercoms solutions that enable simultaneous and secure group communications among fearless individuals in rigorous environments. For more information please visit http://multivoice.com.

MULTIVOICE, the MULTIVOICE marks and logos, MV900, MV-NEXUS, Wireless Mesh-Network Intercom, and MV-COMBINER are each trademarks of MULTIVOICE. All other trademarks are properties of their own respective owners.

CONTACT: Trent Howard, MULTIVOICE 
trent.howard@multivoice.com,
385-375-8859(W) or 385-201-7775(C)
Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150520/217385
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150113/169033LOGO

MULTIVOICE Brings Intercom Capabilities to Push-to-Talk & P25 Radios with MV-COMBINER

MULTIVOICE allows PTT and P25 Radio users to hear multiple speakers simultaneously by connecting PTT or P25 Radios to a MULTIVOICE Wireless Mesh-Network Intercom (such as its MV-NEXUS) via MULTIVOICE’s new MV-COMBINER device. MV-COMBINER also allows groups of MULTIVOICE Intercom users to simultaneously speak to each other in real-time anywhere in North America via Cellular Networks. 182937                 PROVO, Utah, March 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — MULTIVOICE™ today announced its MV-COMBINER™ — a breakthrough communications device that brings intercom-like capabilities to Push-to-Talk and P25 Radio users throughout North America. MV-COMBINER is being showcased today and tomorrow (March 18—19, 2015) in Booth #2141 in the North Hall of the Las VegasConvention Center at IWCE 2015 (the International Wireless Communications Expo). The MV-COMBINER enables PTT and P25 Radio users to enhance their one-to-many voice communication capabilities by joining (orcombining) the many-to-many, Full-Multiplex™ functionalities of MULTIVOICE’s Wireless Mesh-Network Intercoms™ with PTT and P25 Radios. As a result, PTT and P25 Radio users who connect their devices to a MULTIVOICE Intercom — such as MULTIVOICE’s newly announced MV-NEXUS™ — can hear up to eight MULTIVOICE Intercom users (or speak with up to 48 Intercom listeners) all at the same time. In addition, as long as the proper channel is open, the voice communications of any user on the same PTT or P25 network can also Be Heard™ by up to 48 MULTIVOICE Intercom users connected via an MV-COMBINER and vice versa. {NOTE: This also means that ANY PTT or P25 Radio user on the same network will also be able to hear the simultaneous voice comms of up to eight MULTIVOICE Intercom users at one time as long as
  • At least one MV-COMBINER is combined with the PTT or P25 network in question, and
  • The proper channels are open.}
“For decades, millions of Push-to-Talk Radio users have wanted to be able to simultaneously carry on many-to-many wireless conversations via PTT or P25 Radios,” said Ron Fraser, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of MULTIVOICE. “We describe this as “Full-Multiplex communications,” which to us means many-to-many, simultaneous transmission and receiving (aka transceiving). This is only possible today via MULTIVOICE’s patented Switch-to-Talk™ technologies as deployed within our MV-COMBINER and Wireless Mesh-Network Intercoms.” A total of up to 48 MULTIVOICE Intercoms can be joined together into one “self-healing” network comprised of up to six Mini-Groups of eight intercoms each. As a result, an MV-COMBINER can be used separately with each Mini-Group to enable real-time, Full-Multiplex comms with PTT or P25 Radio users. Or in a setting where more direct supervision is appropriate, an on-site Supervisor or Foreman can be equipped with an MV-COMBINER to allow his/her participation in combined communications among members of each individual intercom Mini-Group and PTT or P25 Radio user. “However, MULTIVOICE Intercoms also support an unlimited number of simultaneous users in Listen-Only mode,” Fraser added. “As a result, simultaneous communications between cellular, PTT and/or P25 Radio networks and MULTIVOICE Intercom users is NOT limited to just those Intercom users in Talk Mode. Instead, everyone on the MULTIVOICE Network is also able hear their counterparts on their respective PTT, P25 or Cellular Networks.” MV-COMBINER Also Joins Cellular Networks to MULTIVOICE Intercom Networks Additionally, the capabilities of the MV-COMBINER can be extended to the world of mobile phones and Cellular Networks. “For example, if a Supervisor needs to stay in touch with work crews at multiple sites, whether they’re next door to each other or at different sites across the country, MV-COMBINER makes that possible,” said Todd Rapier, Co-Founder and President of MULTIVOICE. “Simply make sure that the Foreman or Crew Chief on each site has connected his or her cell phone to a MULTIVOICE Intercom via an MV-COMBINER, then call that cell phone. BOOM! You’re instantly in Full-Multiplex mode with up to eight remote workers via your cell phone, meaning you can all talk to each other at the same time. And that’s not counting how many other workers you might have on a MULTIVOICE Network in Listen-Only mode. When you’re done, simply hang up; the Supervisor and crew will be able to continue on as before with on-site comms, while you are free to touch base with another Supervisor and crew at another site.” MV-COMBINER Specifications The MV-COMBINER measures 2.3×1.8×0.9-inches and weighs 1.8-ounces, not including cables, as cable lengths (and weights) may vary. The MV-COMBINER features one HIROSE locking connector and one PTT button on the top of the device, along with two cable connectors on the bottom of the device:
  • One for the MULTIVOICE Intercom connector, and
  • Another for connecting to a PTT or P25 Radio, or to a cell phone.
Additionally, MV-COMBINERs feature three, 3-position Switch-to-Talk switches on the front of each device. MV-COMBINERs will be available in limited quantities for initial testing and evaluation beginning March 30, with General Availability before July 1, 2015. Interested resellers, dealers and manufacturer rep firms can contact MULTIVOICE at 385-236-5111 or info@multivoice.com. About MULTIVOICE Since its formation in 2011, MULTIVOICE has been developing and perfecting mobile, hands-free wireless systems that enable simultaneous and secure group communications among fearless individuals in rigorous environments. For more information please visithttp://multivoice.com. MULTIVOICE, the MULTIVOICE marks and logos, MV-COMBINER, Full-Multiplex, Wireless Mesh-Network Intercom, MV-NEXUS, Be Heard, and Switch-to-Talk are each trademarks of MULTIVOICE. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners. CONTACT: David Politis, MULTIVOICE, pr@multivoice.com, 385-375-8855(W) or 801-556-8184(C) Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150318/182938 Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150318/182937 Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150113/169033LOGO

MULTIVOICE to Unveil the MV-NEXUS Wireless Mesh-Network Intercom at IWCE 2015

MV-NEXUS™ brings hands-free, many-to-many (Full-Multiplex™) wireless communications capabilities for up to 43 manufacturing and industrial workers on one network at distances of up to 4000 ft. (greater distances possible with upgrades). Additionally, MULTIVOICE’s patented Switch-to-Talk™ technology allows MV-NEXUS intercoms to work in concert with (or be combined with) traditional push-to-talk, P25 radios and/or cellular networks.

PROVO, Utah, March 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — MULTIVOICE™ today announced it will unveil its MV-NEXUS™ Wireless Mesh-Network Intercom™ next week at the International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE 2015) in booth No. 2141 in the Las VegasConvention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

When synchronized together, MV-NEXUS intercoms create a self-healing, wireless mesh-network and allow up to 43 manufacturing or industrial workers to simultaneously and securely speak at the same time (in six independent mini-networks comprised of eight people each) on a hands-free, many-to-many wireless communications network. Or if a work environment requires more direct oversight, a supervisor can use MULTIVOICE’s patented Switch-to-Talk™ technology with MV-NEXUS intercoms to toggle between, and communicate with, up to six mini-groups of seven workers each on the same work site. MULTIVOICE’s STT™ technology allows MV-NEXUS intercoms to work in concert with (or be combined with) traditional push-to-talk, P25 radios and/or cellular networks. This STT technology is ideal for situations where safe work requires nearly continuous use of two hands as MV-NEXUS users can deploy a switch once to leave/enter Talk mode or Listen Only mode. As a result, MV-NEXUS delivers new capabilities not previously available to wireless comms users in work settings.

MV-NEXUS intercoms have a line-of-sight range of up to one mile, deliver up to 18 hours of Talk Time, and can support an unlimited number of listeners. In fact, MV-NEXUS users in Listen Only mode can easily transition into Talk mode as Talk Slots become available on an MV-NEXUS network. “Since the first walkie-talkies were introduced in World War II, engineering teams around the globe have spent countless hours trying to figure out how to enable real-time, full-duplex wireless communications on handheld devices,” said Todd Rapier, MULTIVOICE president. “The MV-NEXUS fulfills that desire, yet takes it even further with simultaneous, many-to-many transceiving, something we call Full-Multiplex™ communications. Whether used in standalone mode, in addition to a group of traditional PTT radios, or connected to a P25 or cellular network, we believe the MV-NEXUS can be an excellent wireless communications solution for many organizations across numerous industries.”

The MV-NEXUS operates in the 900MHz ISM band (902—928MHz) and utilizes a patented mixture of FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple Access), TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access), Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum and proprietary radio communications methodologies, including auto-detect and shift-synchronization to prevent jamming and eavesdropping. The proprietary auto-volume normalization feature of the MV-NEXUS enables listeners to hear speakers at normal volume levels regardless of whether users whisper or shout into their microphones. Noise-cancellation technologies built into each MV-NEXUS also allow use in high-noise environments. Additionally, MV-NEXUS intercoms also utilize six separate channels and can support up to five simultaneous Private Room conversations. Built to fit in standard 5.11 pockets and pouches common in military, public safety and industrial clothing and gear, the MV-NEXUS measures 5.2×3.3×1.0-inches, weighs under 12 ounces, uses two rechargeable 3000mAh Lithium Polymer batteries, and features a 3.5-inch-high antenna. MV-NEXUS intercoms will be available in limited quantities for initial testing and evaluation beginning March 30, with General Availability before July 1, 2015. Interested resellers, dealers and manufacturer rep firms can contact MULTIVOICE at 385-236-5111 or partners@multivoice.com.

About MULTIVOICE

Since its formation in 2011, MULTIVOICE has been developing and perfecting mobile, hands-free wireless systems that enable simultaneous and secure group communications among fearless individuals in rigorous environments. For more information please visithttp://multivoice.com.

MULTIVOICE, MV-NEXUS, Wireless Mesh-Network Intercom, Switch-to-Talk, STT and Full-Multiplex are each trademarks of MULTIVOICE. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.

CONTACT:

David Politis, MULTIVOICE 
info@multivoice.com,
385-375-8855(W) or 801-556-8184(C)
Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150311/180951
Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150311/180952
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150113/169033LOGO

MULTIVOICE Lands $5.0 Million Round of Strategic Seed Funding

PROVO, Utah—MULTIVOICE™ today announced it has received a $5.0 million round of strategic seed funding from OTTO Engineering. Chicago-based OTTO is one of the leading designers and manufacturers of radio accessories for military, public safety and industrial use. For its investment as a strategic partner, OTTO has acquired a minority stake in MULTIVOICE at a post-money valuation of $25 million and will lead the integration of MULTIVOICE’s new wireless communications platform into the two-way radio market. MULTIVOICE has also raised $750,000 in “friends and family” and angel funding. “As a leader in the design and manufacture of critical communications accessories, OTTO has been searching for a cutting-edge solution for local team-talk or ‘wireless intercom,’ said Tom Schreiber, General Manager of OTTO. “When we saw the advancements MULTIVOICE had made that bring new capabilities to the wireless industry, we knew we wanted to do everything we could to support their efforts. We’re very pleased to now be a part of Team MULTIVOICE and to help take MULTIVOICE’s technology throughout the world.” MULTIVOICE expects to use the proceeds from this strategic seed round for research and development efforts, expanded sales and marketing programs, and general operations.

MULTIVOICE Overview and Background

Ron Fraser formed MULTIVOICE over three years ago after a 30-year career supporting and developing specialized radio solutions for Texas Instruments, TRW, the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, the Titan Missile program, 3M, Porta Phone and several Silicon Valley start-ups. While working in “stealth mode” in the engineering workshop in the basement of his Utah County home, Fraser’s goal was simple yet complex: to augment and go beyond the technical limitations of traditional Push-to-Talk (PTT) handheld mobile radios to facilitate safer and more effective wireless communication among team members in
  • Industrial/Manufacturing settings,
  • Coaching Staffs (during training or on game day),
  • Public Safety professions, and
  •  The Military.
As a result, Fraser has invented new approaches to radio communications that have allowed MULTIVOICE to create personal wireless intercom devices that enable simultaneous, hands-free wireless communication by teams of individuals in rigorous environments working together at distances of up to 1.0 mile apart. “Nearly everyone is familiar with the basic workings of a ‘Walkie-Talkie’ and how they enable groups of people to communicate with each other at distance, whether at work or at play” Fraser said. “Unfortunately, one of the biggest drawbacks of such PTT radios is the fact that when one person pushes their button to talk, that individual is the only person that can be heard on the network until he/she stops pushing their PTT button. In some circumstances, such a drawback merely means that certain jobs are not done or the group is unable to be as effective or efficient as it might be otherwise. But in other settings, this limitation can mean the difference between life or death. My goal was to fix this problem.”

MULTIVOICE’s first product—the MV900™Wireless Mesh-Network Intercom™—allows teams of up to eight co-workers to talk simultaneously on a secure, hands-free wireless network at distances of up to one mile apart without using a base station. Because MULTIVOICE incorporates the functionality of a traditional base station into each MV900, a group of MV900 Intercoms forms a robust, wireless meshnetwork to ensure continued group communications even if the signal from one user is lost. Additionally, the MV900 allows an unlimited number of listeners on the same wireless network, while also allowing listeners to become speakers as previous speakers drop into “listen-only” mode. Further, MULTIVOICE has also begun testing a new accessory that allows team members to simultaneously and securely share MV900 communications with a network of P25 radio users, thus augmenting and enhancing the functionality of P25 radios. This is critical because P25 radios are one of the most commonly used wireless systems in manufacturing, industrial, public safety and military settings. The MV900 delivers up to 17 hours of actual talk time without recharging. Built to fit in standard 5.11 pockets and pouches common in military, public safety and industrial clothing and gear, the MV900 measures 5.2×3.0x1.0-inches, weighs under 11 ounces, uses two 3000mAh rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries, and features a 3.5-inch-high antenna.

The MV900 operates in the 900MHz ISM band (902—928MHz) and utilizes a patented mixture of FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple Access), TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access), FrequencyHopping Spread Spectrum and other proprietary radio communications methodologies to deliver its breakthrough capabilities. “I was simply trying to solve what I saw as a dangerous problem confronting professionals who put themselves in harm’s way every single day—our soldiers, police officers, firefighters, SWAT Team members and EMTs,” Fraser said. “I later realized that if we could deliver such capabilities, others might also benefit: from construction workers to manufacturers and from football coaches to oil rig operators. So I’m humbled and honored at the same time to welcome OTTO as a strategic investor in MULTIVOICE.”

About OTTO

For over 50 years, OTTO has been designing and manufacturing a full line of products for unique and demanding applications. Located in Carpentersville, Illinois, OTTO is recognized worldwide for superior performance and innovative wireless accessories, controls and switches. OTTO is a vertically integrated manufacturer with in-house injection molding, stamping, CNC machining, cable assembly and cable overmolding capabilities. Our strong mechanical, electrical and RF design capability, A2La-certified test lab and computer-controlled production line testing is unmatched in the industry. For more information about OTTO, please visit http://www.OTTOExcellence.com.

About MULTIVOICE

Since its formation in 2011, MULTIVOICE has been developing and perfecting mobile, hands-free wireless systems that enable simultaneous and secure group communications among fearless individuals in rigorous environments, with MULTIVOICE’s first solution the MV900. For more information about MULTIVOICE or the MV900, please visit http://multivoice.com.

MULTIVOICE, MV900 and Wireless Mesh-Network Intercom are each trademarks of MULTIVOICE. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.

CONTACT:

David Politis, MULTIVOICE 
pr@multivoice.com,
385-375-8855(W) or 801-556-8184(C)