Monday, 4 September 2006

Panasonic to Develop Wi-Fi Phone for Skype, Plans Late 2006 Launch

Panasonic Communications is working to develop a Panasonic Wi-Fi phone for use with Skype. This is the first Wi-Fi product in a series of planned products for use with Skype's service. With this new product, consumers will be able to make and receive Skype calls to Skype users from Wi-Fi Access points in the home, office or elsewhere.

"This new Wi-Fi phone for use with Skype follows the shift toward Internet calling entering the mainstream consumer market," said Mike Timar, national marketing manager, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "This exciting product will enable greater flexibility in communications for home and business users."

The Panasonic Wi-Fi Phone will give consumers access to core Skype features including SkypeOutSkypeIn, Skype Voice-mail and call forwarding via the Wi-Fi phone. The Panasonic Wi-Fi Phone can also be used for making and receiving calls in free public Wi-Fi access zones that do not require browser authentication. The Panasonic Phone will be Skype Certified and is expected be launched in the fourth quarter of 2006 in the United States.

"This Wi-Fi phone from Panasonic marks another milestone in the growing ecosystem of Skype Certified products," said Don Albert, North America general manager, Skype. "New and exciting product from a major consumer electronics leader like Panasonic enables the expansion of Skype beyond the desktop, and helps us to continue to provide innovative and forward-looking products to our growing consumer base."