Message #96 From:
NewsBot Date: January 8, 2007 10:30:00 AM
EBAY News Skype Advances the Future of Internet Communications at CES 2007
LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Skype, the global Internet communications company, is setting
conversations free at the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show
with the announcement of new devices and accessories that improve the
Skype™ experience for consumers and small
business users regardless of where they’re
located – at home, at work or on the move.
As part of Skype’s efforts to bring more
flexibility to communications, the company unveiled twelve new Skype
Certified devices and accessories in a press conference today, many of
which eliminate the need for a PC to make Internet-based Skype calls.
The new devices and accessories, from leading consumer electronics
manufacturers ASUS, IPEVO, NETGEAR, Philips and TOPCOM add to the more
than 150 Skype Certified products already available worldwide.
The latest hardware announcement comes on the heels of the company’s
release last month of its new Skype 3.0 software, which provides Skype
users with even simpler and easier ways to talk to one another, as well
as new range of richer communications features designed to bring
together users who share similar interests. Some of these new features
include community-led text chat and discussion (Public Chats), live
moderated conversations (Skypecasts) and the ability to play games and
collaborate with other Skype users (Skype Extras).
“Communications today involves more than just
free voice calls over the Internet,” said Eric
Lagier, Director, Business Development, Hardware and Mobile. “Skype’s
goal is to set conversations free by making them possible in many forms
and places. Skype Certified devices and accessories are a crucial part
of this vision as their simplicity and power make Skype even more
relevant to people’s lives.”
New Skype Desktop Internet Phones
The newest Skype Certified hardware category to emerge in 2007 is Skype
desktop Internet phones that enable users to place and receive calls
with Skype via broadband Internet connections without being connected to
computers. The first products in this category include:
IPEVO’s Solo.1 –
This uniquely designed Skype desktop Internet phone with built-in
speakerphone features an adjustable 2.4-inch color screen that allows
users to select contacts, add new contacts, and perform other contact
list operations. Caller information and remaining Skype credit are
shown as well.
TOPCOM’s Webt@lker 5000 with Skype –
This attractive device comes with a large 2.4-inch color screen and
can be configured to work in any of 14 languages.
New Skype Certified Cordless & Wi-Fi Phones
CES 2007 builds on the innovation Skype demonstrated in 2006 when it
introduced Wi-Fi phones that let Skype users make and receive calls in
any open Wi-Fi network without their computer, and cordless dual phones
that let users plug into both their landline and broadband connections
to make and receive both Skype calls and regular PSTN phone calls.
Marking the expansion of these categories, Skype is debuting two new
phones, including:
NETGEAR’s Dual-Mode Cordless Phone with
Skype (SPH200D) – This dual-mode DECT
cordless phone simultaneously connects to a user’s
home network router and phone line wall jack, enabling users to place
and receive both traditional phone calls and Skype Internet calls from
a single cordless handset without needing to be tethered to a PC.
Philips’ VoIP841 Cordless Phone –
This advanced DECT cordless phone harnesses the power of Internet
calling via Skype without requiring a PC. Winner of a CES Innovation
Award for its outstanding design and best-in-class feature set, the
VoIP841 allows users to make and receive both free Skype Internet
calls and traditional landline calls simply by connecting an Ethernet
cable and phone line to the phone’s base.
New Skype Certified Accessories
In addition to cordless, Wi-Fi and desktop Internet phones, Skype’s
partners are also introducing additional accessories that will help
users make Skype Internet calls from their computers. These accessories
include:
ASUS’ AiGuru S2 Cordless Phone –
The stylish AiGuru S2 is the world’s first
USB phone to offer support for Skype, Windows®
Vista™ SideShow™,
and both Apple® iTunes®
and Windows Media® Player for wireless
music play. Its slim design, brilliant color display, backlit keypad
and simple menu structure and interface make the cordless AiGuru S2
easy to use around the house or office, regardless of where the user’s
computer is located.
ASUS’ Skype-Embedded Motherboards –
The TA-CP600/400, M2N/TeleSky, P5B/TeleSky and P5LD2 SE motherboards
come pre-loaded with Skype so that PC DIYers can turn their ordinary
corded or cordless phones into multi-function phones that also support
Skype Internet calling. After installing these motherboards, people
will be able to use their regular phones to operate Skype to talk to
other Skype users for free on the Internet, make cheap calls to
landline and mobile phone numbers or receive incoming calls.
IPEVO’s free.2 USB Handset –Available in black and white, this corded USB phone for Skype
features the same design of the multiple-award-winning free.1 phone,
but with an extended range of functions thanks to an added LCD screen
on which users can browse the Skype contact list, view the calling
history and call contacts, without needing to look at the computer
monitor. The free.2 also includes a recording button for instant
recording.
IPEVO’s TRIO Speakerphone –
This innovative two-in-one device connects to a Skype user‘s
computer via USB and can be used as either a hands-free speakerphone
or a personal handset.
Philips’ VoIP080 USB Handset –
Offering users the benefits of Skype Internet calling, the VoIP080
handset is an ideal travelers’ companion,
allowing users to connect with family and friends easily through a
computer’s USB connection, while delivering
premium conversation quality with clear voice sound.
All of the new devices and accessories support Skype’s
premium features, including SkypeOut™ (call
from Skype to traditional landlines or mobiles), SkypeIn™
(a number people can call that users answer in Skype) and Skype
Voicemail (takes calls when users are busy or offline).
Access to a broadband Internet connection is required for Skype and all
Skype Certified devices and accessories. Skype is not a replacement for
your traditional telephone service and cannot be used for emergency
calling.
These products will be available for purchase in the Skype web store at
skype.com/shop, alongside a wide range of other devices, accessories and
bundles that provide everything a Skype user needs to set their
conversations free at home, at work or on the go.
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.
