Updated 13 Feb, 2012, 4:44 pm IST

New Skype Phones Do Not Require PCs

01 Sep, 2006, 5:32 pm IST | Sharon Khare |

Skype has announced cordless phones that do not require a running computer.

This new class of phone enables Skype users to make and receive both Skype calls over the Internet and traditional landline calls, without a computer, and offers the added convenience of a cordless phone. The first series of products to be launched in this class are the Philips VOIP841 cordless phone and Netgear’s cordless phone for Skype.

“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 �berg, general manager, desktop and hardware at Skype. “Skype has already introduced Wi-Fi 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”.

Both the Philips and Netgear cordless phones have Skype running on them out of the box, and they can act as a replacement for an ordinary cordless phone, because they can make and receive traditional telephone calls through the landline line connection. Skype itself is not a replacement for an ordinary phone and it cannot be used for emergency calling.

Existing Skype users can sign into their account, conveniently downloading all their contacts to the cordless phone. Users also have the ability to search for Skype contacts directly on the phone, and add them to an integrated contact list for both Skype contacts and traditional phone numbers.

The Philips and Netgear cordless phones will be Skype Certified to assure users that the products will work well with Skype software.

Premium Skype features, including SkypeOut for inexpensive 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 easily accessible through the phone.

The cordless phones for Skype are accompanied by a remote DECT 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 an easy-to-use, 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 with great voice clarity.

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

Tags: Skype , Philips VOIP841 , Netgear , DECT , PocketPC