Asus, the beloved tech-maker has recently announced the world’s first desktop video Skype phone, the AiGuru SV1. The Skype-enabled videophone is a standalone device exclusively for video calling over the internet.
Even a Wi-Fi connection without the help of a computer should let you enjoy uninterrupted Skype-based calls. Besides letting you make VoIP calls right on the device, the videophone comes packed with an enormous 800×700 pixel 7” display. In tow is also a webcam, microphone and a speaker.
Jonathan Cristensen, Skype’s general manager, mobile and hardware devices, remarked, “The AiGuru SV1 is Skype’s first foray with a partner into the videophone category. With more than 25% of Skype-to-Skype calls including video, we know that video is fast becoming a mainstream way for people to communicate. The videophone offers the benefits of video calling to a much wider audience, allowing friends and families to share their worlds face-to-face without being tied to a computer.”
The Asus AiGuru SV1 additionally lets users enjoy group discussions with an option to allow fellow users join voice conferences. Attributed with practically everything you need to get connected, this touchscreen box also includes an 802.11 b/g and a USB port. Well there’s one downside, could be a major one- the battery offers just twenty minutes per charge.
Available on pre-order in Europe and North America, the Asus AiGuru SV1 should retail for around $299.95/€249.95/£199.95 by October 2008. The videophone is expected to reach the Asia Pacific region by the end of this year.