14 DAY TRIAL // After less than one year since the release of the first-ever Skypephone, 3 UK in collaboration with the eBay-owned Skype are preparing to launch a new handset, apparently named Skypephone S2.
Skypephone S2 comes in a candybar form factor and it doesn't look too different from the first Skype cell phone. However, the new handset looks more elegant. Measuring 103 x 45 x 14 millimeters, Skypephone S2 is a bit bigger than the first one, but this is justified by the fact that it brings more features.
The complete list of specs packed in the S2 is not known for the moment, but we do know its main features, which include: HSDPA connectivity (obviously, since 3 is a carrier that mainly relies on the 3G technology), a 2.2 inch TFT display with 240 x 320 pixels, a 3.2 Megapixel camera with video recording but no auto focus and no flash, 50MB of built-in memory, microSD card support (for up to 4GB) and an 1150 mAh battery of unknown performances. The handset can also be used as a modem, for both Windows and Mac computers. Of course, beside the above-mentioned features, the S2 also offers users free Skype to Skype calls and Skype instant messaging.
The manufacturer of Skypephone S2 was not unveiled, but since the first Skypephone was produced by Amoi, it's highly probable that the new one will also be built by this China-based electronics company.
In the UK, Skypephone S2 will hit the market starting August 18, for a price of 70 GBP (88 Euros or 140 USD) on Pay As You Go. After the British release, the new Skypephone will surely be available in all the other markets where 3 is offering mobile services: Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Hong Kong and Australia.
The new Skypephone might hit the US too, since it was recently approved by the FCC, but for the moment there are no details about a stateside release.