Wifi Revolution

VoIP service provider Skype unveiled new VoIP devices and accessories this week at the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES (News - Alert)). Many of the devices are said to eliminate the need for a PC to make Internet-based Skype calls.

The new devices and accessories are manufactured by IPEVO, TOPCOM, NETGEAR, ASUS and Philips.

One of the new Skype (News - Alert)-certified hardware categories launched at CES is one in which the Skype desktop Internet phones enable users to carry out Skype calls via broadband Internet connections without actually being connected to their computers.

The first products in this category include the IPEVO Solo.1, which features a built-in speakerphone with an adjustable 2.4-inch color screen that allows users to select contacts, add new contacts, and conduct other contact list operations. The phone also displays caller info and remaining Skype credit. Another product included in this category is TOPCOM’s Webt@lker 5000 with Skype. This device features a large 2.4-inch color screen and can be configured to work in any of 14 languages.

Skype also introduced a group of company-certified cordless and WiFi phones at CES 2007 which let Skype users carry out Skype calls in any open WiFi (News - Alert) network, sans their computer, and cordless dual phones that allow users plug into both their landline and broadband connections to make and receive both Skype calls and regular PSTN phone calls.

Phones in this group include the NETGEAR’s Dual-Mode Cordless Phone with Skype (SPH200D), which features a connection to a user's home network router and phone line wall jack, enables users to carry out both traditional and Skype-based Internet calls from a single cordless handset without needing to be connected to a PC. Also included in this group, Skype also launched the Philips’ VoIP841 Cordless Phone, which is a DECT (News - Alert) cordless phone which also allows Skype calling without requiring a PC.

The new group of Skype-certified accessories launched in addition to cordless, WiFi and desktop Internet phones include the following:

--ASUS AiGuru S2 Cordless Phone—a USB phone to offer support for Skype, Windows Vista SideShow, and both Apple iTunes and Windows Media Player for wireless music play.
--ASUS Skype-Embedded Motherboards—the TA-CP600/400, the M2N/TeleSky, the P5B/TeleSky and the P5LD2 SE models, which come pre-loaded with Skype. Skypers can use these to turn their ordinary corded or cordless phones into multi-function devices which also support Skype Internet calling.
--PEVO free.2 USB Handset, available in black and white—a corded USB phone for Skype which features a recording button for instant recording.
--IPEVO TRIO Speakerphone—a two-in-one device which 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—allows users to connect with parties via a computer's USB connection.

These new products will be available for purchase in the Skype online store.

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Johanne Torres is contributing editor for TMCnet and Internet Telephony magazine. To see more articles by Johanne Torres, please visit her columnist page.

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