The WiFi phone prototype

By Jaanus on August 1, 2005 in Partner news and campaigns.

Folks in our secret undercover engineering labs were kind enough to let me play with our recent WiFi phone prototype. We're working with many companies on a wild variety of hardware concepts and the WiFi phone is just one example.

So it's a piece of hardware that you can use to make Skype calls on a WiFi network without needing to use a computer. Don't yet ask for photos, screenshots or details on how much it will cost, when and where it will be available etc -- we bring you the news as soon as we know more ourselves. Until then, you'll have to live with these remarks.

It looks and feels much like a recent mobile phone and the basic controls for using the interface are also similar. So if you've used a mobile phone before, you'll have no difficulties to get going.

After turning it on, you must sign in or create a new Skype Name before you can do much else. Obviously, if you log on with an existing Skype Name, you immediately have your full contact list available and can start calling right away.

The contact list is very similar to what you have on a computer. You see if people are online or not, can view their profile or add new contacts.

Calling worked! Yay. So some of us have made Skype calls with WiFi phones. Hopefully the rest of you will be able to do so soon. Some improvements obviously to be made, but I could make calls.

View blog reactions

Comments

translation please

Absolutely awesome! Make it so cool everyone wants it.

This is good for Skype and users.

Gips sound quality good?

The WiFi phone is very exciting news.
I was about to purchase a USB-to-phone system.
Would consider waiting for WiFi instead, if you can give a time frame.

Pomegranate

I would say a bout Wi-Fi Skype Phones and/or Cell/Wifi Combo phones - to consider that in order to use many Wi-Fi HotSpots like Boingo, Starbucks, Airports etc... we would need a way to login to that network to gain Wi-Fi access.

I see this may be only good for open Wi-Fi networks.

If they address this and keep the unit cheap... I might get one.

www.SkypeTips.com

Good news to hear… when can we expect dialup based skype phone. This will really boosts skype market share in countries like India.

Hi Jaanus
Tell us more. Tell us more
Life is funny and exiting some days

mgough says:"to consider that in order to use many Wi-Fi HotSpots like Boingo, Starbucks, Airports etc... we would need a way to login to that network to gain Wi-Fi access."

Yes and that better be an esay way, having to add a yardlong alfanumeric keycode could be a real stoppper.
Also I hope that, this mean it would not be confined to use only in Skypezones?
I am dreaming of esay transition from one spot to the next. So if you 'spot' your freind in a neighbour cafe no hazle is needed, many places here use the same provider.
TN

A) Log in to WiFi networks could be an issue.
Proxys on WiFi may be an issue.

How about making a program for Smartphones that would let our cell phones to be WiFi? I love skype...but don't have a ppc

What about a version of skype for Playstation Portable. PSP would work great as a mobile WiFi phone if Skype were available on it.

I second the idea for a version of skype for Sony PSP. These things are relatively cheap and the potential user base would be huge.

Very interesting although i have doubts if it will work with all the different networks. But i assume Skype will build WEP and other methods of authentication in the device.

WIFI signal detector would also be nice.

What I would like to se is a skype-client for Symbian phones like the SEp910i. Would that be possible?

Havn't we been doing this for at least a year? My Dell axim has been doing WIFI Skype in free internet coffee shops all along. Now my faster Siemens SX66 combines WIFI SKYPE and GSM Cell service as needed. Hint to SKYPE labs, a separate device will not appeal to someone already carrying a cell phone and perhaps a camera, but if it could replace cell service at a lower cost, VOILA!!!

I hope it comes with video and bluetooth.
This will be perfect .... thx.

This is absolutely what I have been waiting for. Please make it cool, make it reasonably priced, make it look (and feel) like the Skype UI under a PC. Take your time with it and make it a good product, but for goodness sakes get it to me soon!

Good News, but the better if to get the definitely running-date! so Cool!

erm... how is this different from a PocketPC Wifi enabled device, running Skype for PocketPC? - perhaps it will be a little more cost effective..?

can`t wait for a phone so I`ll just use my laptop and a head set, besides the onboard games are better.

The WIFI phone will be good. talking on a headset sucks. plus it seems everywhere around here there are open wireless routers ripe for the calling. Thank you SKYPE. I would have never heard of this service if it werent for that mad man on Squwak Box. Dont know his name but he makes stocks fun with all his yelling and sound effects.

Yes, this is a revolution in the Phone technology. I'll be having an anxious to get this.

Just something for mgough... Many networks allow SkyPe connections for free. In the United Kingdom all BroadReach AP's (under the ReadyToSurf brand) allow SkyPe users to connect for free to make Skype calls. A well-known AP aggregator has also signed with SkyPe for the same thing.

For this to take of like the next big thing here in Scotland
The WiFi access must be free ie same as pc to pc skype
Now we would have free pc to skype wifi and skype wifi to pc.
Also calls to normal phones via sim card topup 1p per min would rock,I would buy 1 !! NOW

WiFi Phone.... bring it on.... looking to upgrade soon but Wifi Phone is a prerequisite. 3G is so lame , Skype compatibility is a must for my next phone. The Nokia N91 looks interesting, provided Nokia have the balls to include skype on it, whilst not alienating their Corporate customers.

Mind you, I bet there are more businesses that would migrate to Skype and dump their PBX's if they could get mobile + skype in one handset . One hurdle thought..... an example EirCom (Irish telecom company) have just rolled out Wifi from Public phone Kiosks...
unfortunately, its a tad expensive for monthly subscription and little credit for being a home broadband subscriber... (a major plus over their competitors), so despite the rush for a Wifi phone, how and when are we going to get roaming access for Free......

I'm really looking forward to this WiFi phone. You can know I'll be buying one.

Hey Been there!

I have an o2 XDA2s pocket PC/ smart phone.

installed skype pocket PC verson and can now use the wifi in hotspots insted of the phone lines.... cheeper calls!

i like this technology malarky!

enjoy!

I hope we will soon be able to buy "normal" mobile phone with WIFI integrated so that we can use Skype with it. Nokia N91 will be the first one but it will be too expensive.

Maybe a Skype Java version could work on any java compatible mobile phone using bluetooth for network connection instead of wifi. Or GPRS?

THIS WILL BRING THE BIG TEL COMPANYS TO THEIR KNEES. SORRY MR GRAHAM BELL.

Re-inventing the wheel. There are a lot of PDA´s available with wifi, gsm etc. all in one, and able to run Skype PDA version.
These PDA´s are also able to do GPS, weather info etc.

However, it would be beneficial to all, if skype extends its webpages with locations having free wi-fi, and keeping it updated. There are websites for this, but they are in no way complete.

Make sure it works together with Apple OSX and there hardware!

we will see

for those asking Skype for PSP: guys, the PSP lacks a microphone (Nintendo DS has one).

About the WiFi phone: I hope it's released soon, I'm definitely gonna have one!

Maybe the hardware is like this, on this blog I discovered????

http://www.tomsnetworking.com/Sections-article134.php

You can do this now if you have a WiFi enabled laptop. Though it will look awkward carrying around a laptop just to make phone calls

An external antenna connection would be nice - so i can use my funky homebrew signal sucking cookware (yes, there are guys out there making wifi antennas from cookware)

A combo GSM / wifi / bluetooth device with skype / SIP and external antenna connections would convince me to abandon my nokia VERY quickly. USB and a decent camera would just be a bonus

The GSM support should include allowing me to divert on out of range to my skype phone (or my skype-in number). SMS / MMS support over both GSM and wifi should be in there too, as should a nice developers kit so we can hack on it.

I have used a Pocket PC using Skype via Wifi connection and the sound is excelent. Some places in Colombia has free Wifi connection.

To those that has said "I'd buy one" about the Skype Wifi phone. I am curious how much people would be willing to spend $99? $249? $299? By the way, I dont think $99 is feasible...

For the person who noted that the PSP has no mic- Theres no trouble with that. Purchase a USB headset, the PSP has a mini-USB plug standard. I'd love a version of Skype for my PSP..it'd make getting rid of my mobile phone that much more of a possibility.

Everywhere I go has wifi.
at home.. wifi
work.. wifi
school.. OC-48 with wifi
all friends houses.. wifi
even granny's house.. neighbor's wifi

SKYPE,
I NEED THIS SKYPE PHONE. I AM READY AND WILLING TO CANCEL MY CELL PHONE THE DAY I CAN ORDER THIS.

It will be great to know the features and specifications of this WiFi phone.

Really, really looking forward to this.

I for one hope that this doesn't have GSM on it. I've never owned a cell phone (they're a ripoff), instead I've been waiting for a wifi phone. And when I finally get it, I don't need it to bug me to sign up for a cell plan.

I'm really waiting to buy something like this... so if u hurry and be the 1st to enter the market, probably I'll buy at least two units...... so, why is it taking so long, hun?

Since WiFi isn't as prevalent as we'd all hoped it would be by now, can you make the new WiFi phone accept a PCMCIA card for Verizon AirCards (in partnership with Vodaphone)? Sprint AirCards also? I know I'm asking a lot, but this would push the phone into the market faster.

Skype for Nintendo DS! How good would that be! Its already got the Wi Fi, Built in mic, plus a slot for a mic on a headset and the touch screen for dialing!

Remember to add some kind of upstream quality indicator. Bad (distant) Wifi and DSL are together an incredible nuisance to your partner, even though you hear everything perfectly fine youself.

I think the wifi phone is the future. You have to wonder...Would you have to pay for skypeZones. Also, I like skype more than any other VOIP company, but why don't they have an unlimited option! Unlimited WIFI calls would be Awsome!

Is it possible to port the Lynux version of Skype to the PSP? Seeing how SOCOM3 has the headset and the PSP has internal wireless connectivity, it seems liek a no-brainer to turn the PSP into the ultimate phone without having to create a phone.

Has there been any update on this recently? I'd love to have a Skype wifi phone.

WIFI Phone design completed & any body or company interested,please contact wictronics@myjaring.net

I guess it's a phone like before. But I don't think it should be a traditonal phone. If new form be founded, a new age is coming for video party!

Wish your prototype can amaze me!

bartzone@gmail.com

I have the phone.. please could you tell me what info I'll have to put into the phone? Server? Proxi? Port?
Thanx

from where you got the phone

gfo_gianluca

I read on a Linux Forum about how someone configured his mobile phone as a modem and got Skype working on his computer and mobile .... it took some creative tweaking but sounds like he was successful.... I haven't been able to find the Posting again.... am still looking as I want to do the same because I live "off the grid" and this would make my life SO much easier.... free long distance telephone calls!!!!

I am buying a PSP tomorrow, and would very much like Skype to be available for this unit as soon as possible. With SkypeOut and SkypeIn, the potential is immense, and would make a terribly large technological world a bit easier for me to live in.

Definately think skype for the psp is a great idea - but then skype is a great idea because it is hardware independent - once users know it'll run on phones/pda/psp they'll soon be asking salespeople 'does it run skype?' you can then take your calls anyware regardless of the device psp/pda/ even camera - that i thik is the important bit

socom comes whit a headset so it is possible to communicate online so why is there no psp version ???

This is for "latetoluc"! As of today Sony has confirmed that Skype will be on the PSP. Go google it. I was surprised when i heard it.

TrackBack

Listed below are links to weblogs that reference The WiFi phone prototype:

» Skype WiFi Phone from Skype News - HK\\\'s Page
記事が載っています。既に動作しているようですね。いつ、いくらで出てくるのか、非常に楽しみです。 The WiFi phone prototype [Read More]

» skype fails to understand from Mobile Phone Fan
… that it must implement phone call recording feature in order to survive. It is a matter of sheer survival and not just “a feature needed by few geeks only”. Gizmo has it, Skype not. And once such greedy corporations like yahoo and ... [Read More]

» Skype Wi-Fi phone no horizonte from Meio Bit
No blog oficial do Skype o autor discute sua experi�ncia com um telefone wi-fi beta do Skype. Falta muito pouco para eu me desfazer da minha linha VoIP aqui em casa, pois eu uso o telefone muito pouco. Para falar... [Read More]

» Skype Working On Wifi Phone from Through My Eyes
The guys at Skype are apparently working on a WiFi Skype phone. You could use existing wireless networks and the Skype software on the phone. That would be soooo sweet. I’d buy one. ... [Read More]

» Skype wifi phone prototype and Skype pay from 抓~ 抓到一隻瞌睡蟲
總算出現了, Skype wifi phone prototype. 如果再加上SkypePay, 讓我想到手機的小額付款了. ... [Read More]

» Skype-Hype: First Boingo now WiFi Phone from the Wibrary
First Skype inks a deal with Boingo to give Skype users a discounted rate (Skype Zones) on using Boingo’s WiFi subscription service. Now the hinted WiFi phone seems to becoming more of a reality. So it’s a piece of hardware that you can u... [Read More]

» Skype Wi-Fi Phone in the Works from Digital Tech News
Digital Tech News follows Skype developments closely. Why? Because Skype is simply revolutionizing communications and telecoms. Well, the folks at Skype\\\'s ShareSkype blog are teasing us again with talk of Skype wi-fi phone plans with several partner... [Read More]

» Skype公布其Wi-Fi电话的一些细节 from 无线新闻
根据Shareskype网站的报道，Skype即将推出的这款基于Wi-Fi网络（无线局域网）的电话将和普通的手机的界面以及操作方式相近。开机的时候用户必须输入自己的Skype用户名和密码，或者注册一个�... [Read More]

» Skype WiFi phone prototype from OhVoice
The Skype blog notes that a WiFi phone is in the works. The phone would allow users to make Skype calls directly across a wireless network, without he need for a computer. This would be particularly useful if you could jump networks and make Skype cal... [Read More]

» Skype WiFi Phone Prototype from My Other Side of the Stories
Ready for a new technology? Skype’s engineers have begun working with an interesting WiFi phone prototype. What is it anyway? So it’s a piece of hardware that you can use to make Skype calls on a WiFi network without needing to use a computer... [Read More]

» More disruption from Skype from NevOn
Now this looks compelling - a Skype phone that you use to make and receive phone calls on a wireless network without needing a computer. Jaanus at Share Skype has been playing with a prototype: [...[ It looks and feels [Read More]

» Skype Wifi phones on the horizon from Frank Jordans blog
I seem to remember seeing reports recently of some Chinese built device that was basically a home phone, GSM and Wifi device in one, able to move seamlessly from one network to another to get the best/cheapest connection. Sadly, I can't find a lin... [Read More]