NETGEAR Announces Skype WiFi Phone

May 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- NETGEAR today announced pricing and pre-order availability for the much-anticipated NETGEAR Skype WiFi phone (model SPH101), the first device certified to make mobile Internet telephony a reality for the tens of millions of Skype users worldwide. The phone can be pre-ordered now exclusively online at an MSRP of $249.99, with additional information at www.netgear.com/go/skypephone.

NETGEAR's Skype WiFi phone (SPH101) is the first Skype Certified device to enable consumers to make unlimited free domestic and international calls to other Skype users over a wireless network without being tied to a computer. The WiFi phone will work anywhere in the world a user has a secured or open access to a WiFi network -- in any home, office, public hotspot, or municipal wireless access point that does not require browser-based authentication. Pre-loaded with Skype software and ready out-of-the-box to use with a wireless network, the user experience remains the same as currently enjoyed by 100 million registered online Skype users, who talk for free with their friends using Skype, or pay only a few cents per minute to connect with non-Skype users. The WiFi phone's intuitive on-screen color menu shows saved Skype contacts and their online availability for easy communications, similar to the PC experience.

"We are pleased to announce pre-order availability of NETGEAR's Skype WiFi phone to those who have been anxiously awaiting the product launch since we unveiled a prototype at the Consumer Electronics Show," said Patrick Lo, NETGEAR's chairman and chief executive officer. "Our phone combines NETGEAR's innovative wireless networking technology with the simplicity of the Skype experience, while freeing users from the PC. With tens of thousands of customers already registered for more information on the NETGEAR Skype WiFi phone via our Web site and millions of registered Skype users, we're thrilled to bring forth this market-defining product to meet the pent-up demand of such an enthusiastic user community around the globe."

Customers can now place an exclusive pre-order for the Skype WiFi phone (SPH101) through NETGEAR's e-commerce partners and at http://us.accessories.skype.com/direct/skypeusa/itemdetl.jsp?prod=3059.

Become one of the first people to use, own, and enjoy such innovative features as:

• Making Skype calls to anyone anywhere in the world for free, no computer required
  
• Making and receiving Skype calls wherever the user has open or secured WiFi access that doesn't require browser-based authentication
  
• Enabling Skype calls to ordinary phones worldwide using SkypeOut for pennies per minute and without monthly fees
  
• Managing contact lists and displaying who's available to talk
  
• Forwarding calls to mobile and landline phones or to another Skype user name (requires SkypeOut)
• Wireless security through WEP and WPA-PSK
  
• Compatibility with 802.11b/g WiFi standards

 As the fastest-growing Internet communications company, Skype has an extensive partner network of world-class companies to bring consumers comprehensive, best-in-class communications solutions. NETGEAR's Skype WiFi Phone (SPH101) is the only WiFi phone to date to have earned the "Skype Certified" logo, meeting Skype's standards for high quality products with a design that greatly enhance the user's experience of Skype. The Skype Certified logo demonstrates Skype's faith in both the product design and its partnership with NETGEAR.

"By offering NETGEAR's unique WiFi phone to our global users, we are enabling them to enjoy the same Skype experience they love, but with the freedom of mobility," said Saul Klein, vice president of global marketing for Skype. "We are committed to working with industry leaders like NETGEAR who share our dedication to connecting the world through easy-to-use, innovative technologies."

NETGEAR's Skype WiFi phone (SPH101) is available now for online pre-order at an MSRP of $249.99, and is backed by a one-year warranty and 24/7 technical support. All customers placing pre-orders will get 30 free SkypeOut minutes to many phones worldwide as well as 30 days of free Skype Voicemail -- compliments of NETGEAR and Skype -- for being the first to own the phone. Estimated shipping date is the second half of June, subject to initial supply, with the first pre-orders placed expected to be the first shipped. Information can be found at www.netgear.com/go/skypephone, and information regarding Skype's services at www.skype.com.

SOURCE NETGEAR, Inc.