San Jose, Calif., June 26, 2007 – Skype, the leading Internet communications company, today announced that Toshiba’s Digital Products Division will market the Skype™ Internet communication software on the company’s notebook computers, including the Satellite®, Tecra®, Portégé® and Qosmio® product lines. These new Toshiba notebooks featuring Skype will be available starting June 26, 2007 through both retail and online channels in the U.S., including Toshiba’s online store (www.toshibadirect.com).
The addition of Skype on select Toshiba notebook computers with built-in webcams and microphones creates an all-in-one internet communications solution for customers. Initially, Toshiba notebooks featuring webcams will include select configurations of the Satellite A215, Satellite X205, Tecra M8 and Qosmio F45 series. Customers will be able to see the branded offering with a Skype logo found adjacent to the units’ built-in webcam. In addition, customers will be able to access a Skype icon available on the desktop to quickly and easily download the latest Skype client software from a co-branded Skype and Toshiba landing page.
Jeff Barney, vice president of marketing, Digital Products Division, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. said, “Toshiba is dedicated to offering innovative notebook computers which provide users with the right balance of functionality and performance to enhance its customers overall mobile computing experience. Toshiba is confident users will appreciate the ability to connect with families, friends and colleagues across the world via Skype’s unique Internet communication tool.”
This marketing agreement with one of the nation’s leading notebook computer vendors, further builds on Skype’s momentum and reach to U.S. consumers. Last month, Skype announced plans to sell Skype Certified devices and accessories and pre-paid cards for Skype in 1,800 Wal-Mart stores throughout the country.
“Skype is always looking for meaningful ways to extend its reach in the marketplace and we believe this relationship will make it easier for the millions of Toshiba notebook users in the U.S. to experience the benefits of Skype Internet calling,” said Don Albert, vice president and general manager of Skype North America. “Teaming up with Toshiba will directly present Skype’s offerings to more potential users and will provide an ideal communications PC solution for them to stay in touch with their friends, family and business colleagues from home, in the office or on the go.”
Skype’s free software makes it possible for anyone with an internet connection to take advantage of its rich features and make free, high quality voice and video calls, to send instant messages or share files over the internet and to conduct conference calls (up to 10 people) and public chats (up to 150 people). Skype also offers low-cost products which include an annual subscription unlimited calling plan within the U.S. and Canada for $29.95, international calling to landlines and cell phones for pennies a minute, call-forwarding, Skype Voicemail and more.
About Skype
Skype sets conversations free by providing new and easy ways to stay in touch over the internet. Millions of people every day make free Skype-to-Skype voice and video calls and send instant messages using our software. Some pay a little per minute for long-distance and international calls to phones and mobiles and for SMS, voicemail and call forwarding, or they buy subscriptions that give unlimited calls nationwide. We certify and sell hundreds of hardware products from more than 50 partners and work with third-party developers to create software to extend Skype's functionality. Skype has been downloaded more than half a billion times and over 196 million people from almost every corner of the globe have registered.
Skype is an eBay company (NASDAQ: EBAY), and you can learn more and get Skype at www.skype.com. Make your world a smaller place: talk, share and do more with Skype.
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.
Skype, SkypeIn, SkypeOut, Skype Me, Skype Certified, Skypecasts, associated logos and the “S” symbol are trademarks of Skype Limited.
