3 Skypephone: UI Tour

After yesterday's announcement (and before it's in stores on Friday) I thought you might like to see some photos of what the 3 Skypephone's user interface looks like. It runs Qualcomm's BREW platform.

When you first turn on the phone, you see the 3 logo (followed by the Skype logo and then the iSkoot logo--iSkoot is the company that helped develop the Skype software in the phone.). On the right you see the phone's main home screen. The top soft buttons launch 3's Launcher and Planet3 web services, and the Skype button opens up the Skype client.

Signing in is easy--you can use the account you have or make a new one. You can also set the 3 Skypephone to automatically sign you back in when you power it on.

The phone signs you in, synchronizes, and then shows you your contact list. You can set the Skype button to call or start a chat with contacts by default.

From the main home screen you can also launch 3's Launcher (on the left), which gives you easy access on the go to all sorts of websites (including eBay, Facebook and YouTube). On the right is Planet3, where you can see news and check your account details.

This is the main menu you see when you press the menu button. In there you've got Web, Call log, Games and apps, Multimedia, Messages, My stuff, Tools, Contacts, and Settings. The settings menu has all the sorts of things you'd find in a mobile phone.

The multimedia aspects of the phone are pretty cool (I'll be getting more in depth with them later this week)--you can see there's a media player (for video and music), a camera for stills and video, and a voice recorder. You can also load all sorts of Java games and apps. I was able to install the Google Mail Java app without a hitch and it works well.

The tools menu has some quite useful items (including an alarm clock and contact synchronization with a PC). If you're say using the calculator and also have the media player, web browser, and your Skype contacts window open, one of the neatest UI features in the phone is the switcher. From wherever you are, you can hit the switcher button (to the right of the screen) and it opens a very easy way to switch between applications, kind of like ALT+TAB in Windows.

Phew, photo'd out yet? Those are some of the highlights from the UI. Tomorrow I'll be sharing some more of the multimedia features of the phone.

Technorati tags: 3Skypephone, 3 Skypephone, 3, Skype, Qualcomm, BREW, iSkoot, UI

Comments

Excuse my ignorance but I'd like to know if the 3 skypephone is also for videocalls since it's the only feature I really need. I've seen the pics of it and don't see where the camera is. By the way, when is it comming to Latin America (specifically Costa Rica)...can't hardly wait to buy it.

G'day! I really would like to know if the skype phone will be available in Switzerland soon, and also in Israel. By the way, do Skype phones only work in the countries they are being produced for? Or could I buy a Skype phone in England and use it in Switzerland? Do you guys establish a special network in particular for Skype in each country? or do you cooperate with the local phone companies? This phone seems like a really interesting idea to me. I am really excited! Can't wait to try it!!!

Hello ! Great day for Skype and for freedom ! I live in France. I'd like to know if skype phone will be soon available in France and how does it works. Do I need to have another phone on SFR, Orange or Bouygues ? Or it is not necessary ? Thanks for your answers. Read u soon. Sincerely.

Hi! i just need to know i thing this skype phone works only on 3G network so, can i use this phone an other networks

Thanks

The phone only works on the 3 network, which is currently in Australia, Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, Italy, Ireland, Macau, Sweden and the UK. It won't work on other networks.

Can someone tell me when the 3 Skypephone comes out in Switzerland?

yes, i want to know something! i'm from america, my girl friend lives in spain! If I buy one for her to just use SKYPE, how much does the phone cost and how much will i have to pay monthly?

How does the skype 3 phone works ? there is nothing in your web site giving all details please do so & give the price list for skype 3 phonbes & their countries

Hello people please can u tell me if could I buy a Skype phone in England and use it in Switzerland? and
if the skype phone will be available in Switzerland soon?

Thank u!!!

Hello! I live in England and my boyfriend in France. I have been using the skypephone for 6 months now, and it's great! The only problem is, that my boyfriend has to be on his computer When is the skypephone planned to be in France? It's so useful, I love it! please tell me !!!!!!

Thank u

i am in swissland now, and i am using iphone. i downloaded skype software in my iphone, but they told me i cannot make phone call from my iphone.
i want to know if i bought skpyphone and bring it in swisse land, can i use the skpye? i alreday bought subscription for every month.
thank you very much.