Philips produces first computer-free Skype phone
updated 03:45 pm EDT, Thu August 31, 2006
Philips Skype Phone
The recent influx of Skype-capable phones shows a clear shift towards VoIP as a practical reality for home telephone users. Nevertheless, almost all of these phones share the glaring limitation of an inextricable link to a PC. Philips claims to be the first major manufacturer to break from this trend. Announced today, the VOIP841 does not require a computer to send and receive Skype calls at all. Its base station connects to the Internet and gives the handset the ability not just to handle Skype calls, but also to sign up for the service directly through the device. The base unit transmits data over a 1.8GHz DECT signal to avoid wireless interference and can also connect to a regular phone line for traditional calls. Prices were not available on launch, though Philips expects the VOIP841 to ship before the end of the year. A full photo of the handset and base station is available after the jump.
