New Skype Internet Phones Enable Internet Calling Without a PC

LAS VEGAS (CES BOOTH #35974), January 8, 2007 – Skype, the global Internet communications company, is setting Internet conversations free at the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show with today’s debut of the first available Skype™ desktop Internet phones, bringing more flexibility in how users place Skype Internet calls at home or at work.

This new class of devices enables consumers and small business users to call other Skype users, mobile phones or landlines via broadband Internet connections, without needing to be directly connected to computers.

“Skype users tell us that they want to put Skype to use in multiple ways, both at home and at work,” said Eric Lagier, Director, Business Development, Hardware and Mobile. “With these new desktop Internet phones, consumers and small business users will have more flexibility to make Internet calls and enjoy the great Skype cost savings and sound quality without needing a computer to fire up Skype.”

The two new desktop Internet phones announced today are IPEVO’s Solo.1 and TOPCOM’s Webt@lker 5000 with Skype.

The user interface on these new desktop Internet phones is familiar to anyone who has used Skype on a computer and includes exactly the same calling features. With built-in Skype software and large 2.4-inch color screens, these devices let users select, manage or add new contacts, as well as perform other contact list operations. Users without Skype accounts can also register for Skype through their device.

Skype Certified desktop Internet phones are perfect for use in home offices and small business settings. In addition to free Skype-to-Skype calls, these devices bring Skype’s premium features, including SkypeOut™ (cheap calls from Skype to traditional landlines or mobiles), SkypeIn™ (a number that lets users receive calls from landlines and mobiles on Skype) and Skype Voicemail right to users’ fingertips.

Please note, just as with Skype running on a computer, Skype embedded in a desktop Internet phone or other handset is not a replacement for your traditional telephone service and cannot be used for emergency calling.

Combining the powerful communications functions of Skype with the flexibility to access Skype without a PC, the new Skype desktop Internet phones will both be available from the Skype web store at skype.com/store beginning in March 2007.

http://about.skype.com/2007/01/new_skype_desktop_internet_pho.html