A UK exclusive - 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

I have been in Spain all week with my Skype Mobile and I cannot make any calls on the Skype, and there is nobody to speak to. So far its a waste of money
Terry.

As 3 doesn't have a network in Spain, you won't be able to use Skype to make calls there, unfortunately - sorry to disappoint

Hi Y'all.
The 3-S2 phone is fine for everyday mobile use. The Skype 2 Skype audio quality is no worse than using your PC and is better than my Skype Wifi phone. So for Free Skype 2 Skype calls you can't really complain.
The 3 modem function works on my notebook and the new Screen Display Icons work well but the buttons are a bit fiddly and may have been designed for the Female/Teenage or Asian market. Not for stubby male fingers like mine!

However the 'Fly in my soup' was that my 3 store didn't make me aware of the fact that I cannot use my 3-S2 phone to call UK landline calls utilising my Unlimlited European Skype Out monthly plan or even use my standard online Skype credit to ring other mobile UK numbers.
All I get is a message display "You can only ring overseas numbers"?
What use is that? It makes no sense to me, but the oversea calls are great!

Thank god I went down the PAYG route and did not upgrade/renew my 3 contract.
Its a shame that about the sneaky 3 sales staff, or perhaps they genuinely do
have atrocious product knowledge about this a half decent phone? Yeah right!
TK

When is this thing coming to Australia? I know we are pretty backward with our mobile plans and now this stupid tethering to a computer which has to be in a plan instead of just being a cool service, but having this phone here would be a start. Why is it only in the UK? It's been 6 months. Considering the 3 network is pretty crappy, would it not help I they had some product that can connect a computer to internet anywhere, etc?

Come on, guys. I do not know who is in control of this phone, be it Skype or 3, but whatever, get it to Australia.

Frederick

re Frederick

It is avaialble in Australia:).
http://xseries.three.com.au/xseries/pricing.shtml

When will the 3 Skypephone be available in the United States?

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