VoIP Network Skype Introduces WiFi Phones

WebKnowHow
Friday, July 21, 2006; 04:21 AM

Skype announced collaboration with hardware partners to deliver the first WiFi phones for Skype software. The new phones will come with Skype software pre-loaded and an intuitive interface.

"We want to give people the freedom to move around while talking and have access to Skype wherever they are – whether in front of a computer or while moving around the home or office,” said Stefan Oberg, General Manager Hardware for Skype. “Now people can make wireless Internet calls and enjoy... sound quality free of a computer.”

Four WiFi phones with Skype software were announced:

• Belkin WiFi Phone for Skype (F1PP000GN-SK);
• Edge-Core WiFi Phone for Skype (WM4201);
• NETGEAR WiFi Phone for Skype (SPH101); and,
• SMC WiFi Phone for Skype (WSKP100).

All devices support common WiFi encryption protocols including WEP, WPA, and WPA2 with PSK support. The new Skype Certified WiFi phones will all be available in Q3 2006.