Skype's WiFi phone -- Accton's WiFi SkyFone WM1185-T

Skype's been talking for months and months now about their plans to release a Skype WiFi phone, and now they've just announced that they're teaming up with a little-known Taiwanese company by the name of Accton Technology on the WiFi SkyFone WM1185-T, an 802.11b/g handset that can make Skype calls from any WiFi hotspot (just don't buy Accton's claims that this is the first phone for making VoIP calls without a computer — that just ain't true). Should start shipping early next year with a retail price of below $150. Ok, not bad, but where're those Palm and Symbian softphones we've been waiting for?

[jalapeno @ Dec 19th 2005 12:20AM]

I would seriously consider getting one of their Skype/GSM combo phones they mention in the article...very cool

[crysalis @ Dec 19th 2005 12:20AM]

look like k750i

[Scott @ Dec 19th 2005 12:20AM]

Sounds like a good idea

[Ashby @ Dec 19th 2005 12:20AM]

From the Accton press release:

"Accton will begin embedding Skype technology into an array of standalone devices to enable consumers and business users to take advantage of the free and low-cost calling options offered by Skype - without a PC."

and

"We�re pleased to team with them to offer products that will extend those benefits beyond the PC."

Sounds unlikely, but they're definitely saying it.

[Ashby @ Dec 19th 2005 12:20AM]

Oh...the first. Right. They're wrong.

[Mark Galvan @ Dec 19th 2005 12:20AM]

"Should start shipping early this year with a retail price of below $150."

Isn't it a little late for that?

[Jay Contonio @ Dec 19th 2005 12:20AM]

I'll ditch my cell phone when this happens. The only reason I have a cell phone is to get a hold of people, not so they can get a hold of me. If I have to find a hot spot, or just call from my house to make a call, that would almost be heaven. Screw paying 60 bucks a month to get text messages and calls that you don't want to receive. (I don't like talking to people, hence the rant)

[TZK @ Dec 19th 2005 12:20AM]

I like this, but since I got t he Vonage service, I am really looking for a WiFi Phone to work with its services. Samsung (or was it Siemens?) has a nice one, but its in the 300 range, which is simply ridiculus. Maybe this one could be hacked :)

[Q @ Dec 19th 2005 12:20AM]

That white one sure looks like a Sony Ericsson w800i

[Hipoteca @ Dec 19th 2005 12:20AM]

I�ll wait to see Skype in Nokia

[Hipoteca @ Dec 19th 2005 12:20AM]

I�ll wait to see Skype in Nokia

[Hitchcock @ Dec 19th 2005 12:20AM]

I'd heard the ZyXEL WiFi phone could be used with Vonage provided you tell them it is a "softphone".

[mike @ Dec 19th 2005 12:20AM]

Screw paying 60 bucks a month to get text messages and calls that you don't want to receive. (I don't like talking to people, hence the rant)

--

Hmm.. it seems almost dangerous selling a cell phone that relies on VOIP.. imagine if your car died or sth and the cell phone is not working since you're not in a wireless hotspot.. :(

[ankur @ Dec 19th 2005 12:20AM]

I think Accton is the same/parent/child as SMC, in that case the product should be pretty good.

[Rich @ Dec 19th 2005 12:20AM]

Waiting for Dual-mode phones makes sense. Who has enough pockets for another device? Also allows Skype a chance to get SkypeIn out of Beta which would increase the device's usefulness.