SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., June 20, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- TASER International, Inc. (Nasdaq:TASR), a market leader in advanced electronic control devices, today at its annual conference unveiled the new TASER(tm) AXON(tm) (Autonomous eXtended on-Officer Network). The AXON is a tactical audio-video recording and networking device designed to be worn by first responders. The AXON enhances incident recording and evidence collection while providing two-way audio communications between the audio-video earpiece and the officer's standard radio.
At the conference, Rick Smith, CEO and Founder of TASER International, demonstrated the TASER AXON and its innovative features and functions which include:
1. Lightweight and convenient -- approximate size of a deck of
cards
2. Dual-processor computing power with dedicated video compression
chip
3. On-officer eye-level audio-visual recorder and speaker
4. Integrates with existing police radios with push-to-talk
functions on the AXON cradle
5. 2.8-inch high resolution color video display
6. Linux-based operating system
7. Expandable flash memory
8. Instant video review
9. Court admissible footage due to secure downloads including robust
"hashing" identification and verification
10. Searchable incident video and data capabilities
11. DVD resolution video recording
12. Video captures the previous minute prior to the event
13. Completely electronic file storage
14. Removable camera for tactical surveillance
15. Available with either color or infra red (IR) cameras. (IR is
able to capture videos in dark environments.)
16. Waterproof
17. Durable hardware for law enforcement environment
18. Password protected hardware
19. Rechargeable battery with capacity to cover an entire shift
"Today, as much as 90 percent of all police action occurs outside the view of even the most advanced in-car cameras," stated Rick Smith. "With AXON's on-officer camera, all action is recorded from the officer's perspective allowing for more video of the entire incident . Additionally, AXON's digital evidence collection will vastly decrease the time officers spend on writing reports. This feature will provide increased accuracy and accountability," said Smith.
"Since day one, TASER's mission is to 'Protect Life' through the use of TASER(r) technology. We are now expanding our mission to 'Protect Truth' with cutting edge audio-visual technology and digital evidence management," continued Smith. "In 1999, TASER International introduced the first law enforcement weapon system with data recording and computer interface features in the ADVANCED TASER M26(tm), and enhanced these capabilities with the TASER X26(tm) in 2003. Additionally, since the introduction of the TASER CAM(tm) in 2006, over 25,000 devices have been deployed, making TASER International the global leader in on-officer video recording systems. With AXON, we are integrating all our technologies together into a synergistic network to provide law enforcement with revolutionary new capabilities," concluded Smith.
AXON units are expected to begin field tests in late 2008 with commercial shipments beginning in early 2009. The price of the AXON system is expected to start at under $1,000.
Visit www.TASER.com/AXON for more information and periodic updates.
About TASER International, Inc.
TASER International's products protect life. TASER provides advanced Electronic Control Devices (ECDs) for use in the law enforcement, medical, military, corrections, professional security, and personal protection markets. TASER devices use proprietary technology to incapacitate dangerous, combative, or high-risk subjects who pose a risk to law enforcement officers, innocent citizens, or themselves in a manner that is generally recognized as a safer alternative to other uses of force. For more information please call TASER International at (800) 978-2737 or visit our website at www.TASER.com.
The TASER International logo is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=2931
Note to Investors
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), including statements, without limitation, regarding our expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. We intend that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe-harbor provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking information is based upon current information and expectations regarding TASER International. These estimates and statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, are not guarantees of future performance, and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results could materially differ from what is expressed, implied, or forecasted in such forward-looking statements.
TASER International assumes no obligation to update the information contained in this press release. These statements are qualified by important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those reflected by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include but are not limited to: (1) market acceptance of our products; (2) our ability to establish and expand direct and indirect distribution channels; (3) our ability to attract and retain the endorsement of key opinion-leaders in the law enforcement community; (4) the level of product technology and price competition for our products; (5) the degree and rate of growth of the markets in which we compete and the accompanying demand for our products; (6) risks associated with rapid technological change and new product introductions; (7) competition; (8) litigation including lawsuits resulting from alleged product related injuries and death; (9) media publicity concerning allegations of deaths and injuries occurring after use of the TASER device and the negative effect this publicity could have on our sales; (10) TASER device tests and reports; (11) product quality; (12) implementation of manufacturing automation; (13) potential fluctuations in our quarterly operating results; (14) financial and budgetary constraints of prospects and customers; (15) order delays; (16) dependence upon sole and limited source suppliers; (17) negative reports concerning the TASER device; (18) fluctuations in component pricing; (19) government regulations and inquiries; (20) dependence upon key employees and our ability to retain employees; (21) execution and implementation risks of new technology; (22) ramping manufacturing production to meet demand; (23) medical and safety studies; (24) field test results; and (25) other factors detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, those factors detailed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and its Form 10-Qs.
The statements made herein are independent statements of TASER International. The inclusion of any third parties does not represent an endorsement of any TASER International products or services by any such third parties.