NETGEAR’s Skype WiFi phone makes mobile Internet telephony a reality for Skype users. Unlike other devices that must connect with a computer, NETGEAR’s Skype WiFi phone works wherever a consumer is connected to a wireless access point that does not require browser-based authentication. With NETGEAR’s Skype WiFi phone, users can make free calls to Skype users anywhere in the world and to non-Skype users with their prepaid SkypeOut and SkypeIn services at a small fee. Consumers will also be able to access their Skype Voicemail with this device.

From the news release:

The NETGEAR WiFi phone will make mobile Internet telephony a reality for Skype users. Unlike other devices that must connect with a PC, NETGEAR’s Skype WiFi phone will work wherever a consumer is connected to a wireless Internet access point - be that in a home, office, cafe, open public hotspot, or any open municipal wireless access point being deployed worldwide. The Skype experience remains the same, in that users can make free domestic and international calls, as well as host conference calls and chat, with other Skype users anywhere in the world, and to non-Skype users for a small fee. With this device, headphones or USB phones plugged into a laptop or PC are not required.

“Customers can now call anyone on Skype, anywhere in the world for free without using a PC anytime they are connected to WiFi. We’re extremely proud to deliver the world’s first mobile phone enabling customers to enjoy all the benefits of Skype,” said Patrick Lo, NETGEAR’s chairman and chief executive officer. “Moreover, Skype integration with our RangeMax wireless router will further extend our leadership in innovative networking devices. Skype offers the simplicity, WiFi offers the connectivity, and NETGEAR offers the technology to innovate these market-changing products. Our teamwork with Skype is yet another way that NETGEAR is helping people to connect, all around the world.”

The NETGEAR device will combine the best of Internet calling and wireless. The NETGEAR phone is pre-loaded with Skype’s software, ready out-of-the-box to use with a wireless network. All a user needs to do after turning on the phone is enter a Skype username and password. The Skype software pulls up the user’s full contact list, displays the connection status on the phone screen, and allows the consumer to connect to any other Skype user for free. The phone will also allow users to connect to non-Skype users with the SkypeOut™ feature. More information on NETGEAR’s Skype WiFi phone, including pricing and availability, is planned for the first quarter of 2006.

“By collaborating with NETGEAR, Skype’s reach is extended to a new, important consumer platform. This new phone allows Skype to offer its global users improved mobility,” said James Bilefield, vice president of business development for Skype. “Simplicity and style were two qualities we looked for in a mobile phone and NETGEAR’s new device will offer both to Skype users.”

Netgear Skype WiFi Phone Reviews

Infoworld has a review up of the Netgear WiFi Skype phone and writes, “I travel internationally a fair amount and don’t like the roaming charges I get for using my mobile phone abroad. Now all I need to bring is my Netgear Skype phone and find a WiFi zone and I’m set. … I would highly recommend this to anyone that uses Skype for calling, or for those who have historically shied away from using Skype as a telephone medium. This Netgear WiFi phone takes all the pain out of Skype calling. It’s super easy to use.” Source.

Vnunet has a review of the Netgear SPH101 Skype WiFi phone and writes, “Call clarity between two Wifi handsets was excellent but there was a noticeable drop in quality when calling the same location using a headset connected to the PC. While this drop in quality is not down to the Wifi handset, it’s no comfort if you have paid £170 for no improvement. … It’s not that this first generation Wifi Skype phone is bad - the idea of using Skype without needing a PC switched on is certainly attractive. But until they are either far cheaper, have more functions, or preferably both, we recommend you stick with the alternatives.” Source.

ITNews has a review of the Netgear Skype phone and writes, “All you need to do to get started is charge the phone and turn it on. When I did that the handset found my WiFi network without a hitch. (It supports the WEP and WPA-PSK security protocols.) I clicked on “Connect” and then all I had to do was type in my router’s 26-digit encryption key accurately. I even surprised myself and got that right the first try.” Link.

Trusted Reviews reviews the Netgear SPH101 Skype phone and writes, “During testing we found the voice quality of the SPH101 to be vastly superior to SMC’s SWPSK100. The microphone is sited on the front panel rather than underneath and this location resulted in none of the irritating echoing that plagued SMC. Calling out to landlines resulted in good clarity and recipients were generally impressed as most were unaware that they were being called over Skype unless we told them. If you’re in the market for a Skype phone then the SPH101 warrants closer inspection as Netgear scores highly on build quality, design and call clarity. However, it does have a few niggling faults and the level of call related features on offer simply don’t justify the price tag.” Link.

PC Magazine has a review of the Netgear Skype WiFi Phone SPH101 and concludes, “he bottom line is that the Netgear phone is a rather expensive pony with just one trick: Skype. That’s a shame, because many people live in urban areas with plenty of available Wi-Fi, and I think the ability to use the phone on open free networks would be a major reason for them to buy it.” Link.