Message #97 From:
NewsBot Date: January 8, 2007 10:31:00 AM
EBAY News New Skype Desktop Internet Phones Enable Internet Calling Without a PC
LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Skype, the global Internet communications company, is setting Internet
conversations free at the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show
with today’s debut of the first available Skype™
desktop Internet phones, bringing more flexibility in how users place
Skype Internet calls at home or at work.
This new class of devices enables consumers and small business users to
call other Skype users, mobile phones or landlines via broadband
Internet connections, without needing to be directly connected to
computers.
“Skype users tell us that they want to put
Skype to use in multiple ways, both at home and at work,”
said Eric Lagier, Director, Business Development, Hardware and Mobile. “With
these new desktop Internet phones, consumers and small business users
will have more flexibility to make Internet calls and enjoy the great
Skype cost savings and sound quality without needing a computer to fire
up Skype.”
The two new desktop Internet phones announced today are IPEVO’s
Solo.1 and TOPCOM’s Webt@lker 5000 with Skype.
The user interface on these new desktop Internet phones is familiar to
anyone who has used Skype on a computer and includes exactly the same
calling features. With built-in Skype software and large 2.4-inch color
screens, these devices let users select, manage or add new contacts, as
well as perform other contact list operations. Users without Skype
accounts can also register for Skype through their device.
Skype Certified desktop Internet phones are perfect for use in home
offices and small business settings. In addition to free Skype-to-Skype
calls, these devices bring Skype’s premium
features, including SkypeOut™ (cheap calls
from Skype to traditional landlines or mobiles), SkypeIn™
(a number that lets users receive calls from landlines and mobiles on
Skype) and Skype Voicemail right to users’
fingertips.
Please note, just as with Skype running on a computer, Skype embedded in
a desktop Internet phone or other handset is not a replacement for your
traditional telephone service and cannot be used for emergency calling.
Combining the powerful communications functions of Skype with the
flexibility to access Skype without a PC, the new Skype desktop Internet
phones will both be available from the Skype web store at skype.com/store
beginning in March 2007.
About Skype
Skype is the world’s fastest-growing Internet
communication offering, allowing unlimited free voice, video and instant
messaging communication between users of Skype Software. With over 136
million registered users, Skype is available in 28 languages and is used
in almost every country around the world. Skype generates revenue
through its premium offerings such as making and receiving calls to and
from landline and mobile phones, voicemail, call forwarding and
personalization including ringtones and avatars. Skype also has
relationships with a growing network of hardware and software providers.
Visit Skype at www.skype.com.
Skype is an eBay company (NASDAQ: EBAY). To learn more visit skype.com.
Skype is not a replacement for your traditional telephone service and
cannot be used for emergency calling.
Skype, SkypeIn, SkypeOut, Skype Me, Skype Certified, Skypecasts,
associated logos and the “S”
symbol are trademarks of Skype Limited.
