Panasonic and Skype Expand Product Compatibility

Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic is working to develop a Panasonic Wi-Fi phone for use with Skype. This is the first Wi-Fi product in a series of planned products for use with Skype's service. With this new product, consumers will be able to make and receive Skype calls to Skype users from Wi-Fi Access points in the home, office or elsewhere.

"This new Wi-Fi phone for use with Skype follows the shift toward Internet calling entering the mainstream consumer market," said Mike Timar, national marketing manager, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "This exciting product will enable greater flexibility in communications for home and business users."

The Panasonic Wi-Fi Phone will give consumers access to core Skype features including SkypeOut, SkypeIn, Skype Voicemail and call forwarding via the Wi-Fi phone. The Panasonic Wi-Fi Phone is also great for making and receiving calls in free public Wi-Fi access zones that do not require browser authentication. The Panasonic Phone will be Skype Certified and is expected be launched in the fourth quarter of 2006 in the United States.

"This Wi-Fi phone from Panasonic marks another milestone in the growing ecosystem of Skype Certified products," said Don Albert, North America general manager, Skype. "New and exciting product from a major consumer electronics leader like Panasonic enables the expansion of Skype beyond the desktop, and helps us to continue to provide innovative and forward-looking products to our growing consumer base."

The Skype community has grown to more than 113 million people in almost every country around the world, and Skyping has become a global phenomenon. Skype enables the world's conversations, making it easier for people to connect with family, friends and colleagues anywhere in the world.

The Panasonic Wi-Fi phone joins the growing family of Panasonic Voice over IP (VoIP) products, including the recently launched Panasonic KX-TGA575S. The KX-TGA575S USB adaptor is an optional accessory for Panasonic 5.8GHz Digital Expandable Cordless Systems KX-TG5761S, KX-TG5771S, and KX-TG5776S. Using the adaptor with these systems means the user doesn't have to be in front of a computer. The Skype contact list and call log are available on any of the cordless handsets in the system.

Information about Panasonic and its products is available at www.panasonic.com.

SOURCE Panasonic Communications Co., Ltd