The Skypephone Is Here

Skype and 3, the UK mobile operator, launched today the Skypephone, coming as a new and affordable mobile phone that offers free Skype to Skype calls as well as free Skype instant messages that can be sent from the Skype handset to other Skype users, wherever they might be.

A 3G Internet cell phone with full features, the Skypephone has Skype built-in and offers, besides Skype calls, conventional calls and access to 3's wide range of various Internet services. With the Skypephone, 3's subscribers have the chance to connect to any of Skype's over 245 million users for free with the touch of a button, while on the go.

Michael van Swaaij, acting CEO at Skype, said: "Skype is now truly mobile. This new handset is incredibly easy to use and lets you make free mobile Skype calls when you are on the move to other Skype users all over the world no matter where they are. It couldn't be simpler - put Skype in your pocket and make free Skype mobile calls and send free Skype instant messages at the touch of a single Skype button."

The Skypephone comes in two colors, black and silver and has a pretty cool design, although nothing out of the ordinary. It packs a 2.0 megapixel camera and a 2.0 inch QCIF screen with a 176 x 220 resolution, weighs only 86 grams and measures 100 x 44 x 13.6 millimeters. Developed by Skype and 3 in collaboration with Qualcomm, the handset leverages on Qualcomm's BREW platform to allow Skype to function with core mobile phone features like messaging and address book.

"3 wants to make the mobile internet available to everyone," said Kevin Russell, Chief Executive Officer at 3 UK. "To do this, we believe that services need to be simple to access and affordable. Communication is the prime function of the mobile today. Skype is the leader in internet communications. To enable Skype to go mobile in this way brings free internet calls together with an affordable 3G handset. Mobile has the potential to massively increase access to internet calling."

The Skypephone is �49.99 (about $100) in UK, on a PAYG tariff, or free on a contract and it's available via 3 from 2 November or from today, on pre-order. Until Christmas this year the Skypephone will also be available in Australia, Italy, Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, Austria, Hong Kong and Macau.