Late last month SMC put out a new firmware update, version 1.0.0.22P1, for its popular WSKP100 WiFi phone. This SMC phone was one of the first WiFi phones for Skype to come out, so it's great to see the company standing behind the product and continuing to make improvements. This page lists the new features and improvements, of which several are noteworthy:

• New Hotspot Manager (in the Network menu) to make it easier to connect to FON hotspots
• Improved sound quality
• Improved key lock function (so it doesn't accidentally dial in a pocket or bag)
• Over-the-air firmware updating--this is the last firmware update that requires you to plug into a computer to update

Read on to see where to get the update and my impressions of it.

To get the new firmware, go to the main SMC site, select your region, click on Support on the bar below the top banner, then Downloads on the left column, then choose 'Voice' for Product Category, 'WSKP100' for Model No., and the part number you see in the last drop down box. Then click on the right arrow to go to the download page.

I was able to test the new firmware on a WSKP100 we have in the office. It installed without a hitch--the instructions were very clear on what to do. I didn't really notice many differences with the phone in regular operation, but I did see the Hotspot Manager and feel that it's a great addition. More and more WiFi phones for Skype are working with free and pay-for hotspots away from your home or office, making Skype way more useful on the move. As it stands: the Belkin WiFi Phone for Skype connects to Boingo hotspots, the new Netgear SPH200W connects to T-Mobile USA hotspots, and now the SMC WSKP100 connects with FON hotspots more easily than before.