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Android-powered GoGear Connect PMP debuted in new, Godzilla-sized form factor
We're used to seeing some ho-hum units with the GoGear name, so we were pleasantly surprised to hear (well, read) that Philips was getting much more ambitious for its upcoming GoGear Connect line of PMPs. Plans are said to include the Android 2.1 OS, Bluetooth, WiFi, GPS, and extensive skinning that plays up the media player / navigation device angle. Although there's no cellular connectivity herein, there is a speaker and mic for some VoIP action, alongside haptic feedback for the touchscreen display, a memory card slot, rear-facing camera of unknown resolution, up to 64GB storage, and DivX/XviD support. Neither price nor release date has been confirmed (though Q3 2010 is a possibility, according to SlashGear). Indeed, we haven't even seen one of the units, even in prototype form -- but there is an amusing King Kong-scale device running the OS in the video demonstration, which means they definitely have designs on the monster movie demographic. Check it out after the break. [Thanks, Anh]
Ask Engadget: Best Skype phone for Europe?
We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Roland, who can't wait to get his recently relocated sister some sort of phone with Skype capabilities. "My sister recently moved to Belgium. She has access to WiFi at home, so I'd like to send her a mobile phone that can run a Skype client. Requirements are WiFi, can work on Belgian / European carriers, runs Skype, and has excellent battery life. Anyone have any suggestions?" There's nothing worse than not being able to communicate with someone when you desperately need to, so we're hoping that our readers across the pond will be able to chime in here with a little advice. If you've got something productive to add, drop it down in comments below!
INQ Mini 3G review
The INQ Mini 3G is quite the intriguing little phone. It has the dimensions and outward appearance of a standard issue featurephone, yet aims to provide the multifunctional utility of the bulkier QWERTY keyboard-sporting smartphones that now roam these lands. With deep integration of Facebook, Twitter and Skype, it's designed to be a do-it-all social networking device, so we thought we'd run a few status updates through it to see if the latest spin on an award-winning heritage lives up to its billing. Slide on past the break to find out. %Gallery-73445%
IPEVO's WiFi handset lets you Skype like it's 1999
Now, this might not seem as futuristic as a videophone, or your own USB powered Star Trek communicator, but if you're in the mood for some VOIP (feeling frisky, are we?) IPEVO's newest is definitely worth a second look. The S0-20 is a stand-alone Skype handset that boasts a 4 hour talk time, backlit keys, a 1.8-inch color LCD, support for both G711 and G729AB codes, and both WEP and WPA/WPA2-PSK encryption -- all in a package that would look at home next to a ten year old pre-pay cell phone. Available now for $129.[Via TMC]
Aipotek's ultra-slim VoIP phone
While its practicality for extended chatting sessions may be in question, Aipotek's latest VoIP phone here should fit in nicely with your other barely-able-to-hold-onto gadgets, measuring just 7.5 mm thick and less than an inch-and-a-half wide. Aipotek also looks to be doing its best to keep up with latest gadget style trends, decking the phone out with a fingerprint-ready glossy black finish on the face and the ever-popular brushed metal on the backside. Otherwise, the handset is about as standard as VoIP phones get, with full support with Skype, MSN, and Yahoo Messenger, as well as compatibility with both Macs and PCs. You'll have to make do with a pair of LEDs instead of a full-on display, however, as well as put up with being tied to your desktop or laptop, although that USB cable should at least help to keep you from losing it. If that sounds like the phone for you, you can snag one now for $39.[Via USB Geek]
Futiro intros new line of Skype phones
While we failed to spot 'em among the swarms of other Skype phones that descended upon CES, Ireland's Futrio assures us that these shiny new handsets of theirs were in fact there, although it appears that they're only getting a proper U.S. release now. The $75 Futrio Luna is the top-of-line model, mostly differentiated from the others by its considerable button advantage. Otherwise, it packs the same free standing (and corded) design of the button-deficient Futrio Terra, which will set you back twenty bucks less. Rounding out the lineup is the considerably more portable Futrio Solo, which will still tie you to your laptop's USB port, but at least packs some integrated cable management to keep things from getting too tangled; it'll run you $65. All three are available now direct from Futrio.
Panasonic KX-WPA102 WiFi Skype phone reviewed
Panasonic's new KX-WPA102 WiFi Skype phone doesn't seem to have made much of a blip on the Internets just yet, but the folks at Phicons managed to get their hands on one, chatting it up for a full review. Right out of the box, the phone's sleek and shiny design especially impressed them -- certainly standing out from some of Panasonic's other Skype-compatible offerings -- as did the phone's well-balanced weight, which they found "just right." They also dug the phone's included WiFi basestation, although you can simply toss it in the closet and use your existing basestation if you prefer. On the downside, they found the Panny's sound quality to be somewhat lacking, describing it as good in general but mentioning that they encountered some occasional crackling during a call, though they add that the problem could simply be due to network conditions. That said, they still wound up giving the phone their full recommendation, though it's not clear when you'll actually be able to get your hands on one or how much it'll cost.
ORtek's Skypad Skype phone / numeric keypad combo
Looks like peripheral maker ORTek has managed to find a way to distinguish itself from the seemingly endless stream of Skype phones flooding the market with its latest offering, the Skypad -- a combination USB phone and numeric keypad. Dual uses aside, the unit looks to be a pretty bare-bones deal, with a no-frills, display-less design, and that USB cable keeping you from wandering too far off while you're chatting on it. On the telephony side of things, the Skypad boasts full-duplex support and compatibility with Skype, as well as volume control buttons and other Skype-related keys. As far as keypad capabilities go, the unit packs what appear to be decently-sized keys, as well as such exciting features as Num Lock, and "smart" LEDs. No word on pricing or availability, unfortunately, though it looks like Mac users are out of luck with this one, as it's strictly Windows only.[Via Mobile Whack]
Netgear's SPH101 Skype WiFi Phone available for pre-order
You wouldn't guess it from that conceptual looking pic, but Netgear is all prepped to start shipping their standalone WiFi Skype phone on June 30th. Amazon.com is accepting pre-orders now, with the phone going for a fairly steep $250, but at least it's marked down $50 from the $300 list price. If you missed it the first time around, Netgear's SPH101 Skype Phone can make Skype calls wherever you can finagle a WiFi connection, with no PC required. The phone can also manage your contact list, and forward calls to your mobile, landline, or other Skype account. Keep reading for a couple of more realistic pics.[Thanks everyone who sent this in]
