Skype to Launch its First VoIP Cordless Phones

By Johanne Torres

TMCnet Contributing Editor

 

Skype announced on Thursday that it will launch a set of cordless phones that do not require a running computer to work. The phones will be supplied by the VoIP service provider's hardware partners. The new class of phone will enable Skypers to make and receive both landline and Skype (News - Alert) calls without a computer. The first series of products to be launched in this class are the Philips VOIP841 cordless phone and NETGEAR's cordless phone.

 

"We are broadening our reach to mass consumers by offering them the opportunity to communicate via Skype without having to be tied to the computer," said Stefan Öberg, general manager, desktop and hardware at Skype in a statement.

 

"Skype has already introduced WiFi (News - Alert) phones and Skype for PocketPC wireless. Now Skype is taking the next step and working together with Philips and NETGEAR to introduce PC-free cordless phones. The cordless phones for Skype launched today, give Skype users the flexibility to enjoy free Skype to Skype calls and inexpensive calls to ordinary and mobile phones anywhere in the house, at any time without a running computer," he added.

 

Both the Philips and NETGEAR cordless phones come pre-loaded with Skype's software, and can act as a replacement for an ordinary cordless phone. Skypers can sign into their account and download all their contacts to the cordless phone. They can also search for other Skypers directly on the phone, and add them to an integrated contact list for both Skype contacts and traditional phone numbers.

 

The new devices will be Skype Certified. This status is awarded to products that work well with Skype software. Skype Certified hardware products undergo testing for more than a month to ensure that they meet Skype's usability and technical quality standards.

 

Premium Skype features, including SkypeOut for lower-priced international calls to traditional landlines and mobile phones, SkypeIn to receive calls from landline or mobile phones on Skype, and Skype Voicemail, will all be accessible through the new phones.

 

The devices will be accompanied by a remote DECT (News - Alert) base station that plugs into both the broadband connection and the traditional phone line. The system handles both Skype and ordinary calls in one phone, presented through a user interface. Both the Philips and NETGEAR cordless phones boast a full color graphic display, simplified calling features with an integrated contact list, and an enhanced speakerphone.

 

The Skype Certified Philips VoIP841 cordless phone will be available for the 2006 holiday season.

 

Today's news follows Skype's announcement last week about it extending its VoIP partnership with Global IP Sound (GIPS).  The move will enable hardware manufacturers to offer Skype-compatible IP phones.

 

The new hardware systems will use GIPS' Voice Engine Embedded. Skype has licensed GIPS products in the past including VoiceEngine PC in the summer of 2003.

 

"Skype has clearly revolutionized global personal communications with its offering," said GIPS' president and CEO Gary Hermansen in a statement back then. "This latest step in our relationship helps to solidify this growing market by expanding the options for Skype-enabled hardware devices and the ability for consumers to have a consistent, high-quality user experience regardless of platform."

 

Skype Limited

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