14 DAY TRIAL // Although video calls and video-telephony are yet to reach their peak, it would seem that we're certainly on the right track. And that's because none other than ASUS (which seems to be "spreading" its tentacles to all sorts of new market segments lately) has just launched what it touts to be the world's first Skype-certified video phone, the AiGuru SV1.
As the company informs us, the ASUS AiGuru SV1 has been designed specifically for video calling and, for this reason, it has been equipped with a large, high-resolution 7-inch TFT LCD (800 x 480 pixel resolution) and an integrated webcam (CMOS sensor, 640 x 480 pixels). Additionally, the ASUS AiGuru SV1 also features a built-in microphone and speaker, while those users who want to have privacy during their calls can use a standard mini-jack headset and microphone.
Another interesting fact worth mentioning about this videophone is that it makes calling a lot easier, even for less tech-savvy users. And that's because it has been equipped with a simple-to-use, icon-based interface and intuitive button layout. Plus, it's very versatile from the point of view of connectivity and networking options, since it incorporates an 802.11 b/g adapter and an Ethernet port and supports the DHCP/Static IP/PPPoE networking protocols.
As mentioned right from the start, one of the main advantages provided by the device from ASUS is related to its Skype certification. Thus, the ASUS AiGuru SV1 can be used for making Skype-to-Skype video and voice calls as well as calling fixed lines and mobiles with Skype credit and/or subscriptions, and it supports Call forwarding and Skype Voicemail.
Moreover, the ASUS AiGuru SV1 can be carried around very easily, since it has been equipped with a rechargeable Li-Ion battery that provides around 20 minutes of talk-time after it's been charged for roughly 2 hours.
The ASUS AiGuru SV1 will arrive in stores in October 2008 and will sell for an estimate 300 US dollars / 250 Euros (in Europe and North America), while the rest of world will probably have to wait a little longer before being able to purchase it.
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