• by Phil Leggiere , October 31, 2005

Americans have avidly embraced the digital age, with one conspicuous hold-out: the kitchen telephone, where most families still communicate more like the Kramdens than the Jetsons.

Delray Beach, Fla.-based ViseonMedia is betting it can change that with the multimedia VisiFone.

The device comes in two color-screen versions (5.6 inches and 10.4 inches), and in addition to serving as a voice and video phone, will "push" content via tv video clips, music, and other online files. Content will be e-mailed on demand to consumers based on their preferences.

The phone will be sold for $99 exclusively through broadband VOIP (Voiceover IP) service providers, including New Jersey-based Vonage. Shipments begin this winter with a pilot roll-out to around 7,000 Vonage subscribers across the U.S.

"This will be a third screen into the home... perfect for a tv-quality ad delivered in a content environment consumers have personalized," explains ViseonMedia CEO J.D. DeHaseth.

Accounts so far include Visa, Pepsi, Procter & Gamble, Kraft, and Paramount Pictures.