Philips showcases world’s first PC-free DECT phone for Skype at IBC 2006

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Sep 08, 2006 - Philips is to present the world’s first Skype™ DECT phone that works without a PC to communicate via the Internet. The Philips VOIP841 is amongst the latest digital home communications products Philips is showcasing at IBC 2006.

Philips is continuing to drive innovation in digital homecommunication by providing a full range of handsets and devices that enable crystal clear voice calls via the Internet. These introductions include the Skype-certified VOIP841, which has been specifically designed for heavy Skype users and distance callers wishing to take advantage of the cost savings available from Internet Telephony. As the VOIP841 works independently, Skype users can benefit from total flexibility and call even when their PC is not connected.
The advanced design reflects the real innovation brought by this modern phone. Contacts are easy to see on the 65k full color, full graphic display, and calling them is straightforward from the Skype & SkypeOut™ contact list. The enhanced speakerphone and outstanding voice clarity bring emotion back to phone calls. The phone will be available for Christmas 2006.

New VOIP handsets and headsets

Philips is also to launch the sleek VOIP080 handset, featuring a wired USB PC connection, free calls worldwide via Skype and excellent conversation quality with the convenience of a classic phone. The VOIP080 also benefits from a unique roll-up cable management system enabling the USB cable to be wrapped around the phone, ensuring no more knots in the phone cable. The VOIP080 is the perfect Skype travel companion.

In addition to these new handsets, Philips also announced the launch of a range of universal hands-free multimedia headsets designed specifically for Internet based entertainment including VOIP calling, gaming, music and video. The SHM3100, SHM3300 and SHM6100 headsets are the perfect partners for any PC-based activities, and offer excellent sound quality, maximum comfort and increased flexibility at affordable prices.

Philips will also be showcasing two of its recently introduced breakthroughs in IP telephony, the Philips VOIP433 Messenger Phone and the Skype-certified Philips VOIP321 phone. The VOIP433 offers both conventional landline phone calls as well as free or cheap calls over the Internet via Microsoft Windows Live™ Messenger, successor of the MSN® Messenger service. The VOIP433 is as easy to use as any conventional telephone, and features the unique ease-of-use benefit of enabling callers to instantly see which of their Windows Live Messenger or MSN Messenger contacts are online with a single press of the Messenger key.

The Philips VOIP321 phone combines total cordless mobility, ease-of-use and crystal clear DECT digital voice quality with the dual convenience of enabling consumers to make free Skype calls via a broadband Internet connection.

“There is enormous potential in the global market for VOIP handsets and Philips is committed to gaining a leadership position by providing an attractive and innovative product range. These latest introductions demonstrate how Philips is giving consumers maximum choice of how, when and where they make telephone calls and enjoy the cost savings and performance advantages that VOIP offers,” said Nick Dosanjh, Vice President & General Manager, Business Line Communication & Connectivity, Philips.

CE Communications Department
Philips Consumer Electronics

+ Contact us

+ Return to list of news articles

About Royal Philips Electronics

Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a global leader in healthcare, lifestyle and technology, delivering products, services and solutions through the brand promise of “sense and simplicity”. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 125,800 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 27 billion in 2006, the company is a market leader in medical diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring systems, energy efficient lighting solutions, personal care and home appliances, as well as consumer electronics. News from Philips is located at
+ www.philips.com/newscenter.

 

+ Return to list of news articles