Skype, the global Internet communications company, has shaken hands with 3, the mobile operator, launching a brand-new affordable handset called “3 Skypephone”. The handset lets the user make free Skype to Skype calls and send free Skype instant messages from one Skype mobile phone to other Skype users, without bothering where the other Skype user is situated.
The 3 Skypephone is a fully-featured 3G Internet phone that provides built-in Skype features. Apart from Skype calls, the phone can make conventional calls can be made and also can be used to access 3’s broad range of other internet services. The device is small and shiny, that comes in black or white, with blue or pink trim colors.
The screen size of 3 Skypephone is 2.0″ QCIF (176 x 220) with 262K colors.It has the in-built memory of 16MB. It extends the memory to 1GB using microSD card. The size of the handset is 100 x 44 x 13.6 mm, weighing only 86g.
The handset is developed by Skype along with 3 in partnership with Qualcomm. The handset provides all features Skype, 3G and Qualcomm. Therefore, Qualcomm’s BREW platform will be a part of the handset, to enable Skype to work with core handset features such as address book and messaging. With 3G facilities, 2-megapixel camera, mp3 player, mobile TV and internet will be available in the device. 3 Skypephone will always keep you occupied with its fully functioned features.
The other features that 3 Skypephone holds is access to Java and 3D games and two preloaded games, Internet browsing and Bluetooth.
Availability of the 3 Skypephone would be this year in the UK, Australia, Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, Italy, Ireland, Macau and Sweden from 2nd November. Calls from Skype to Skype will always be free. The handsets will prove their existance in 3Stores across The United Kingdom, also from Skype and 3’s websites in time for Christmas.
3 Skypephone can be pre-ordered in UK from today. Any customer who isn’t a member of Skype can create a Skype account by simply logging into Skype and downloading the free software to the computer. As an alternative, customers can also create a Skype account directly from their 3 Skypephone.
As said by Michael van Swaaij, acting CEO at Skype, “Skype is now truly mobile. This new handset is incredibly easy to use and lets you make free mobile Skype calls when you are on the move to other Skype users all over the world no matter where they are. It couldn’t be simpler – put Skype in your pocket and make free Skype mobile calls and send free Skype instant messages at the touch of a single Skype button.”
This is the first time, when three different but well-known companies have come together. As a result, it is a beneficial product for Skype and 3G users. The handset will be accessible at the price of GBP49.99 (approx Rs. 4,065). This is the first time an operator has offered a mass market device which is tailor-made for free calling over the internet from a mobile.