Mobile Skype Internet Calling Now Available Without a Computer on WiFi Phones from Belkin, Edge-Core, NETGEAR and SMC
LUXEMBOURG, July 20, 2006 – Skype, the global Internet communications company, today announced collaboration with hardware partners to deliver the first WiFi phones for Skype™ software, making Internet calling on the move a reality. By enabling consumers to make Internet calls without a computer, Skype is freeing people from their computers and saving them money.
“We want to give people the freedom to move around while talking and have access to Skype wherever they are – whether in front of a computer or while moving around the home or office,” said Stefan Oberg, General Manager Hardware for Skype. “Now people can make wireless Internet calls and enjoy the great Skype cost savings and sound quality free of a computer.”
WiFi phones are perfect to use with the WiFi access points in most homes, offices or campuses. With Skype software pre-loaded and an intuitive interface, Skype WiFi phones are easy to use and offer the freedom of Internet calling without being tied to a computer. With these WiFi phones, consumers can make Skype calls from open access points anywhere in the world at no cost or to traditional landlines and mobile phones at very low rates.
Skype software enables Internet calling on the four WiFi phones announced today:
- Belkin WiFi Phone for Skype (F1PP000GN-SK)
- Edge-Core WiFi Phone for Skype (WM4201)
- NETGEAR WiFi Phone for Skype (SPH101
- SMC WiFi Phone for Skype (WSKP100).
The user interface and functionality available on these new WiFi phones is as familiar and enjoyable as using Skype on a computer. Skype users now have the ability to take Skype Contacts with them and see who’s available to talk.
The easy to use devices come with everything built-in to connect to Skype via any personal, business or free public WiFi access point that does not require browser authentication. The phones are extremely easy to set-up and use with automatic synchronization to a Skype account and contacts. The devices support common WiFi encryption protocols including WEP, WPA, and WPA2 with PSK support.
Combining the powerful communications functions of Skype with the power of mobility, the new Skype Certified WiFi phones will all be available in Q3 2006, from the Skype store at skype.com/store.
About Skype Skype is the world’s fastest-growing Internet communication offering, allowing unlimited free voice and video communication between Skype users. Skype is available in 27 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.
Skype is an eBay company (NASDAQ: EBAY). To learn more visit skype.com.
Skype is not a replacement for your ordinary telephone 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.
