Mobifun’s Weblog

Skype, the global Internet communications company and 3, the mobile operator, have launched a new affordable handset that lets you make free Skype to Skype calls and send free Skype instant messages from your mobile phone to other Skype users no matter where they are.The 3 Skypephone is a fully-featured 3G Internet phone with Skype built-in. In addition to Skype calls the phone makes conventional calls and can be used to access 3’s broad range of other internet services.

3 customers using the 3 Skypephone will be able to make Skype calls and send instant messages on the move with the push of a button. This is the first time an operator has offered a mass market device which is tailor-made for free calling over the internet from a mobile. Now, all of Skype’s 246 million registered can be reached for free with the 3 Skypephone.

According to Michael van Swaaij, acting CEO at Skype, ‘Skype is now truly mobile. This new handset is incredibly easy to use and lets you make free mobile Skype calls when you are on the move to other Skype users all over the world no matter where they are. It couldn’t be simpler — put Skype in your pocket and make free Skype mobile calls and send free Skype instant messages at the touch of a single Skype button.’ Michael van Swaaij added, ‘Skype began by offering free PC to PC calling and now we’re doing the same with mobile calls with 3. Thanks to 3, Skype has now taken a giant step forward in the mobile arena. It takes an innovative operator like 3 to challenge traditional thinking and offer the kind of product other operators are still shying away from.’

The 3 Skypephone is available from 2 November in 3Stores across the UK and from Skype and 3’s websites in time for Christmas. The 3 Skypephone is available for pre-order in the UK from today. Anyone who doesn’t already use Skype can create a Skype account by going to www.skype.com and downloading the free software onto their computer. Alternatively they can create a Skype account directly from their 3 Skypephone.

** Fair use policy & terms apply. See the 3 website in each country for local prices and conditions

** Free calls are Skype to Skype calls and Skype instant messages from the 3 network (in some countries this is also available when roaming on a 3 sister network). 3 Skypephone functionality:

With 3G, a 2-megapixel camera, mp3 player, mobile TV and internet, 3 Skypephone keeps you occupied even when you run out of things to say. Plus, it’s small and shiny, and comes in black or white, with blue or pink trim. 3 Skypephone also includes:

* Fully integrated Skype functionality with contacts, call logs and presence.

* Access to Java and 3D games and two preloaded games

* 2.0 Megapixel camera

* Internet browsing

* Bluetooth

* Weight: 86g

* Size: 100 x 44 x 13.6mm

* Battery Standby: 320 Hours

* Battery Talk Time: 270 Minutes

* Battery Video Talk Time: 170 Minutes

* Screen Size: 2.0″ QCIF (176 x 220)

* Colour: 262K

* Internal Memory: 16MB

* External Memory: expandable to 1GB microSD

Handset includes:

* Battery 1150mAh

* Battery cover (magnetic)

* Personal stereo hands free kit

* USB cable

* Mains charger

* CD ROM for PC connection

* 256MB micro SD memory card (no adapter)

* 3 user guide

* Quick start guide for Skype

AT&T Inc. and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung) today announced the availability of the Samsung SGH-a737. An ultrathin sliding phone with accelerated multimedia and entertainment features, the a737 builds on the remarkable appeal of the Samsung SGH-a717 and a727 phones and gives AT&T customers the same great 3G experience in a new form factor.The a737 is a lightweight device available in four color combinations: black/orange, black/blue, black/red and black/lime. The a737 also offers the best AT&T features and services, including the groundbreaking Video Share, AT&T Mobile Music, stereo Bluetooth 2.0 technology, a 1.3-megapixel camera with video record, external memory microSD cards up to 4GB and advanced messaging options. The sliding design allows for a larger screen, which is great for browsing, reviewing photos and Video Share calling.

Because the a737 supports AT&T’s Video Share service, users can share one-way live video while participating in a voice call. Both customers must be in an area served by the company’s 3G network and have a Video Share-enabled phone — such as the a737. Users can also send messages to friends and families any way they choose with Text Messaging, Mobile Email, AOL, Yahoo! and Windows Live Instant Messaging.

AT&T Mobile Music allows customers to use Napster and eMusic to load music on the handset. The a737 supports over-the-air music downloads through eMusic Mobile, and other services including Music ID, XM Radio, music video viewing, The Buzz music news portal and more.

Inside the a737, users will have 3G connectivity to AT&T’s BroadbandConnect network in more than 170 major metropolitan areas across the U.S. Data coverage outside 3G service areas is available via AT&T’s nationwide1 EDGE network, the largest high speed wireless data network in the U.S. AT&T’s EDGE network is available in more than 13,000 cities and towns and along some 40,000 miles of major highways.

Pricing and Availability

The a737 in black/lime, black/orange and black/blue is available through select AT&T retail locations or at http://www.att.com/wireless for $49.99 after a two-year contract activation agreement and a $50 mail-in rebate.