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RTX Intros Skype-certified Hybrid Landline/VoIP Phone
[January 06, 2006]

RTX Intros Skype-certified Hybrid Landline/VoIP Phone


TMCnet VoIP Minute Watch Columnist
 
Wireless products developer RTX America introduced on Friday the DUALphone, a Skype-certified hybrid phone that enables users to place both traditional and Skype Internet-based calls through a single cordless phone.


 
"With the growing popularity of consumer electronics, we are excited to be working with our partners to offer Skype-certified hardware," said James Bilefield, vice president of business development for Skype. "Skype allows people everywhere to connect quickly and easily with colleagues and loved ones. Skype certified products such as the DUALphone are making it even easier to communicate with those most important to you."

 
The DUALphone features wideband audio technology for better voice quality and a user interface. When placing a call, consumers dial as usual then press the PC button to dial using Skype or the telephone button to use traditional phone lines—how cool is that?!
 
"We've eliminated the need to sit in front of a PC when placing Skype calls," said Chris Tubis, CEO of RTX America. "By creating a hybrid phone that supports standard telephone line service, we are providing customers with an easy way to integrate powerful Skype functionality into their everyday lives."
 
The DUALphone comes with a charging station which simultaneously connects to a traditional telephone socket and to a PC via USB. The device fully supports Skype to Skype, Skype to landline (SkypeOut), landline to Skype and landline to landline (PSTN) calls.
 
In addition to standard telephone functionality the DUALphone also features Skype-specific enhancements such as a display that lists a user's Skype contacts (presence or buddy list) as well as an audible notification beep when a contact comes online.
 
Additionally, the device features DECT 6.0 cordless technology (WiFi-friendly), a rechargeable and replaceable battery, a backlit LCD display, a standard headset connecter, multiple handset capacity, upgradeable firmware, indoor range of 150 feet and outdoor range of 1000 feet. 
 
The RTX DUALphone is currently available online from RTX and at Skype's online store for US$139.99.
 
Skype has made announcements left and right about deals with multiple electronics manufacturers in order to certify headsets, wireless phones, and other VoIP devices so they are compatible with Skype's Internet telephony service.
 
Internet access product manufacturer USRobotics announced on Thursday its introduction of the USR9610, a Skype-certified USB Internet Speakerphone. The device is the newest in the company's family of Skype-certified products, which also includes the USR9600, a USB Internet handset. The speakerphone will be available through resellers later this month and is priced at $49.99 (MSRP).
 
Aliph also introduced the Skype-certified Jawbone PC Edition VoIP communications yesterday. The device integrates Aliph's military-grade audio processing and product design to eliminate background noise. The device has a metal outer edge that protects the internal electronics, while the inside surface is made of medical-grade plastic to provide a comfortable, soft, and smooth feel on the skin. Jawbone's docking and storage mechanism allows it to fit in a user's pocket enabling better portability.
 
Skype announced a partnership with Philips Electronics this week to introduce a new Internet phone, the VoIP321. The new cordless phone has dual functionality so consumers can make free Skype calls, as well as ordinary landline calls. The Internet phone operates on Digitally Enhanced Cordless Telephone (DECT) technology. This technology enhances the sound and security available in a cordless phone.
 
The VoIP service provider also made news this week as it teamed up with NETGEAR Inc to develop a suite of new products, including the world's first Skype wireless mobile telephone and a router equipped to optimize Skype. NETGEAR's Skype WiFi phone will work wherever a consumer is connected to a wireless Internet access point, be that in a home, office, cafe, open public hotspot, or any open municipal wireless access point being deployed worldwide. The NETGEAR phone is pre-loaded with Skype’s software, ready out-of-the-box to use with a wireless network. Pricing and availability info for the Skype WiFi phone will be released during this year's first quarter.
 
RTX America Inc.
Skype Technologies, S.A.
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Johanne Torres is contributing editor for TMCnet and Internet Telephony magazine. To see more articles by Johanne Torres, please visit Johanne Torres' columnist page
 
 

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