Skype poised to offer WiFi phones
Skype has teamed up with four OEMs to introduce WiFi handsets for use with Skype’s VoIP service this quarter. All of the new handsets operate over WiFi hotspots and since they come preloaded with Skype software require no PC to make or receive Skype calls. The four OEMs set to launch the new phones are Belkin, Edge-Core, Netgear, and Standard Microsystems. Some of the phones will sport color screens and all of them should be available on the Skype online store in Q3 2006. Expect to pay around $250 for these handsets.
(via InfoWorld)
-jk
Jeez, $250? Can any marketing folks explain that pricing decision to me? I can get a wifi-enabled PDA for that price. I can get a “normal” wireless phone for one-fifth that price. I can use Skype on a thumb drive at any Internet cafe for free.
What gives?
That stikes me as being about as useful as the other services that allow you to use Skype on your cell phone for “free” (of course, you need to buy the phone and sign up for a data plan — maybe $400 – $600 the first year — so much for free).