Mobile Phone Reviews
 
 
Netgears Skype Wi-Fi Phone Launched

Tue, 02 May 2006

NETGEAR today announced pricing information and pre-order availability for the new NETGEAR Skype WiFi phone (model SPH101). This will be the first device certified to make mobile Internet telephony a reality for Skype users worldwide.

The new phone, which will cost $249.99, will allow users to make calls via their Skype account at any Wi-Fi hotspot without the need to have a computer with them.

The WiFi phone will work anywhere in the world a user has a secured or open access to a WiFi network, in any home, office, public hotspot, or municipal wireless access point that does not require browser-based authentication.

The announcement, although still expensive for a mobile phone, is likely to send shockwaves of horror to traditional mobile operators like Orange and Vodafone .

"We are pleased to announce pre-order availability of NETGEAR's Skype WiFi phone to those who have been anxiously awaiting the product launch since we unveiled a prototype at the Consumer Electronics Show," said Patrick Lo, NETGEAR's chairman and chief executive officer.

"Our phone combines NETGEAR's innovative wireless networking technology with the simplicity of the Skype experience, while freeing users from the PC . With tens of thousands of customers already registered for more information on the NETGEAR Skype WiFi phone via our Web site and millions of registered Skype users, we're thrilled to bring forth this market-defining product to meet the pent-up demand of such an enthusiastic user community around the globe," he added.

The Wi-Fi phone's on-screen colour menu shows saved Skype contacts and their online availability for easy communications, similar to the PC experience, and users will be able to contact other Skype users for free or using SkypeOut for a reduced cost compared to standard mobile phone tariffs .

The company has not yet confirmed when the phone will be coming to the UK and how much it will cost.
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