Mobile Skype

Skype's (News - Alert) internet phone calling services aimed at driving down the cost of communications and connecting more people globally, has become much easier, and practical to use thanks to a new partnership between Skype, SMC and FON announced today.

 

Together they will offer users a complete bundled package that includes all they need to get started making phone calls over the internet, and without a computer. For users who may have once been hesitant about internet calling because of being tethered to a computer screen, or wary of what other technology they would need to get started calling, can now purchase the bundled solution from Skype's online store for a fast easy solution.

 

With the package, Skyper's receive a Skype enabled WiFi phone from SMC (WSKP100), a wireless router from FON (la Fonera) as well as 500 SkypeOut minutes, for calls to landline phones (Skype-to-Skype calls are always free) and free voicemail for a year. Packages are priced at $159.00 USD.

 

The bundled deal, available to US and European consumers, makes it easy to begin Skyping and the added mobility of WiFi (News - Alert) eliminates the restrictions of needing to be in front of the computer to make free or low cost calls.

 

Using FON's wireless router, users are able to access the growing areas of FON Access Points in exchange for sharing their home bandwidth. FON's WiFi sharing community is aimed at growing ubiquitous WiFi.   

 

"The arrival of WiFi phones has helped liberate Skype users from the PC and made internet calling truly mobile." Stefan Oberg, Skype's Genral Manager, Hardware commented in a statement.  "But never before have all the necessary ingredients been combined in one package at such an attractive price. This partnership delivers a ready-to-use system, leaving more time for conversations with family, friends and colleagues everywhere."

 

Also today, a new remote wireless Skype phone was announced from 3J Communications Inc. The phone will allow users to make remote Skype calls or to use a speakerphone on the base of the device when on a conference, or group call. The handset screen also makes it easy to manage contacts and is compatible with MSN, Yahoo messenger and VoIP Buster.

 

And for all those Mac users out there, a new beta version of Skype was also announced today. Skype 2.5 beta for Mac, created in response to demand from users, includes outbound SMS messaging and 10-way conference call capabilities as well as choices for the audio device being used. It is available for download now from www.skype.com.

 

 

http://www.tmcnet.com/comsol/articles/3553-skype-releases-version-30-beta-windows.htm

http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/-tanla-mobile-announces-skype-tie-/2006/11/14/2081046.htm

http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/-broadcom-gives-skype-users-freedom-from-pc-/2006/11/07/2050886.htm