The 3 Skypephone S2 is here!

3 Skypephone s2 Although it hasn't exactly been kept a secret, we're all very excited to announce that the new 3 Skypephone is here. It's called the S2, and as with the first 3 Skypephone, Skype is fully integrated, so you can make and calls and send instant messages to Skype users anywhere in the world absolutely free.

Equally, it's absolutely free for other people to call you or message you on Skype while you're using the 3 Skypephone S2. Of course, it does all of the other things you'd expect a mobile to do too - make calls, send text messages, take photos and browse the web.

How does the S2 compare to the the original 3 Skypephone?

New user interface — even easier to use than the original 3 Skypephone, with a carousel interface which makes switching apps speedy. It preserves the integrated Skype phonebook, so your contacts' Skype names appear alongside their landline or mobile phone numbers.

Better build, screen and camera — it has metal keys and back as well as a bigger screen (2.2" vs. 2") at higher resolution (240 x 320 vs. 176 x 220) and a better camera (3.2 megapixel vs. 2 megapixel).

HSDPA broadband and built-in dongle capabilities - it has built in modem drivers so you can use the cable that comes in the box to plug it into your laptop and get online.

Facebook and Last.fm apps and RSS reader - convenient access to Facebook and Last.fm, plus your top RSS feeds, while on the move.

Where can I get one?

It's available in the UK only at present, and it's available to buy now. It's priced at £69.99 on Pay as You Go, and it's free with a contract from £15 per month.

Comments

any chance of seeing anything like this in the US? I have the Linksys 'iPhone' but want something a bit more like this. Or at least a skype app on the actual iPhone.

more things like this need to be available in the US. Anyone know if I can purchase one and get it to work here in the US?

Is anyone else having problems with their S2 randomly switching off. I have the same problems on my wife's S2 too.

My S2 is switching off randomly too. To switch it on again I have to remove the battery and put it back in place. It sound quite odd, but I have to say that it is my first day with it, and it could be related with the new battery. I only charged it once. I'll see.

I live in the Crawley area on Surrey Sussex border and also have problems with my S2 switching itself off and hanging up. It usually happens when I am trying to access Skype itself and the phone just freezes and shuts down. It seems to be connected with the 3G signal dropping out too (top left of your phone screen) It never seems to hand on to the signal for more then 10 seconds. I have also got my phone out of my pocket and found it has switched itself off.

I will be cancelling and returning handset very soon....

P Edwards

..further to my previous post. yesterday after having the S3 for only 3 days - I got a text from 3 saying that I had used £10.55 on internet use on this phone!! That's over and above the £15+ monthly contract payment! Considering half of the phone doesn't even work and have only looked around 3 a bit and used messenger a couple of times I think this is extortionate!

My o2 K800i costs me £7.50 a month for unlimited internet use and for £10 I get 8.50 hours free talktime to any landline and all o2 mobile phones.....

You can guess where ill be staying cant you??? At this rate ill have a £300 bill by end of month with 3!

Having had a Skypephone S1, I was reasonably impressed with the way it worked and so had no hesitation in buying an S2 for the added 3.2mp camera, laptop modem and the faster HSDPA connection. Whilst it looks and feels nice, the buttons are too close together and half the time you press the wrong one and this phone is a reliability disaster!! Like above posters, mine too, freezes/switches off regularly (3 or 4 times a day) and the only fix is to take the battery out/put it in. After one week I returned the phone to the Three Store who said they weren't aware of this issue, but issued me a brand new one. One day on and this too has frozen 3 times. What a complete pile of carp!! My S1 was always fine, so can't blame signal and also had an SE K530i which was always stable, so my advice, steer well clear!!