RTX Products, a Danish handset maker is all set to launch a new Skype (News - Alert) WiFi phone that will provide access to Internet telephony without the need for a PC.

The cordless DualPhone 3088 is truly dual in its function as it can also be used as a landline phone. Users can plug both a broadband Internet connection and a traditional analog landline into the base station of the phone, the only prerequisite being that the Internet connection is one which is ‘always on’. Internet connections which get ‘timed out’ when not in use are incompatible. The new handset not only offers dual options but will also help consumers cut down on their phone bills.

 

With a very simple color graphic Skype-user interface, the DualPhone 3088 allows access to almost all of Skype voice features including Skype PC calls, SkypeOut, SkypeIn, and Voicemail. The phone has a battery life long enough for 10 hours of talk time and 140 hours of standby time. It can be connected directly through an Ethernet cable to a home router.

 

The DualPhone 3088 has been rendered cordless using DECT (News - Alert), a reliable and inexpensive and interference-fee technology.

 

The latest model will be sold from RTX’s distributions partners across Europe and through Skype Online Store starting December 1. The phone lists at 159 Euros, which is equivalent to $209 U.S.

 

 

RTX’s DualPhone is not the first Skype PC-free cordless phone to be unveiled. Phillips, Belkin and Netgear (News - Alert) have already announced similar products. Though DualPhone is the first one meant for home use.

 

RTX has already introduced a Skype-supporting cordless phone which needs a PC and another type that is PC-free but does not support Skype. The latter is providing access to voice over IP services conforming to Session Initiation Protocol (News - Alert) (SIP).