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Skype Expands Partner Ecosystem With Consumer Electronics Industry Leaders

Posted on: Tuesday, 3 January 2006, 09:00 CST

Skype(R), the global Internet communications company, today announced seven deals with consumer electronics industry leaders that will make Internet calling even easier for consumers. With these announcements, Skype continues to enrich the ecosystem of products that make Skype simple to use.

New Skype Products

-- Creative Skype Internet PhonePLUS - a standalone phone that enables anyone to make free Skype calls over the Internet without a PC connection

-- D-Link Skype USB Phone Adapter (DPH-50U) - a Skype phone adapter that enables the use of Skype on a traditional phone

-- IPEVO Fly-1 Cordless Handset and Xing Speakerphone - PC and Mac compatible IPEVO Fly-1 cordless Skype USB handset and an IPEVO Xing Skype USB speakerphone

-- KODAK Photo Voice - a beta version of the first Skype certified online photo sharing service, available as a free download at Kodakgallery.com/photovoice

-- NETGEAR - a new communications device to be unveiled at CES on Wednesday, January 4th (details below)

-- Panasonic - a cordless telephone product that interfaces directly with Skype, allowing users to make and receive Skype calls and traditional calls using the same device

-- VTech USB7100 Phone - availability of the previously announced VTech USB phone, expandable with up to four handsets and allows users to view their online contacts

"Skype and the companies joining its ecosystem - from retailers like RadioShack to device manufacturers such as NETGEAR and Panasonic - are bringing Internet telephony to the mass market even faster than expected," said Will Stofega, Research Manager, VoIP Services, IDC. "By moving Skype off the desktop and into handsets, the free service becomes much more compelling and familiar so that it may appeal to a wider range of callers."

With these new products, consumers will be able to use cordless phones away from the desktop to make Skype calls, easily switch between free Skype calls and ordinary landline calls, and enjoy Skype's simplicity on regular phones via a desktop USB connection. Skype consumers and small business owners now have more choices when using the Skype service.

"The growing Skype ecosystem of leading consumer electronics companies gives Skype users innovative, easy-to-use products and validates the market for Internet calling," said James Bilefield, vice president of business development for Skype.

Skype certified products are available at skype.com/store, major U.S. retailers such as RadioShack and select retailers in Europe.

Skype and NETGEAR Press Conference

On Wednesday, January 4, 2005 Skype will make an announcement regarding its collaboration with NETGEAR on a breakthrough product. Attending media are invited to attend a press conference featuring Patrick Lo, CEO of NETGEAR for a first look at the new product and further details. The press conference will be held Wednesday, January 4, 2005 from 2:15-2:45 p.m. in the eBay/Skype booth, located in the Grand Lobby of the Las Vegas Convention Center between the North and Central Halls.

Visit the eBay/Skype booth between the North and Central Halls in the Grand Lobby of the Las Vegas Convention Center for demonstrations and product details. Complete Skype press materials are available in the CES virtual press office at: http://www.virtualpressoffice.com/presskit/index.jsp?showId= 1119531853568&companyId=1133164753102.

(Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.)

About Skype

Skype is the world's fastest-growing service for Internet communication, allowing people everywhere to make unlimited voice calls for free. Skype is available in 27 languages and is used in almost every country around the world. Skype generates revenue through its premium service offerings such as making and receiving calls to and from landline and mobile phones, as well as voicemail and call forwarding services. Skype also has a growing network of hardware and software partners. Skype is an eBay company (NASDAQ:EBAY). To learn more visit skype.com.

Skype is not a telephony replacement service and cannot be used for emergency calling.

Source: Business Wire

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