Skype calls will soon be available without a computer on four new WiFi Phones from Belkin, Edge-Core, NETGEAR and SMC. The devices come with everything built-in to connect to Skype via any personal, business or free public WiFi access point that does not require browser authentication. These phones will be only useful with “open” WiFi hotspots, home networks, and company wireless networks that are setup to allow for their use.

• Belkin WiFi Phone for Skype (F1PP000GN-SK)
• Edge-Core WiFi Phone for Skype (WM4201)
• NETGEAR WiFi Phone for Skype (SPH101)
• SMC Wi-Fi Phone for Skype (WSKP100)

The phones are said to be easy to set-up and use with automatic synchronization to a Skype account your contacts. Users of the new phones will also be able to check who is available to talk.

The devices support common WiFi encryption protocols including WEP, WPA, and WPA2 with PSK support. Prices will probably range from $179 to $300 initially. I think the price of these phones will have to get quite a bit cheaper to attract mainstream users. They will be available in Q3 of this year. The Belkin Wi-Fi Skype Phone ( F1PP000GN-SK ) is being released on August 31, 2006 according to Amazon where they are taking pre-orders at $179.

In May, Skype announced that any calls within the U.S. and Canada, to any kind of phone, would be free for Skype-Out to cell phone or fixed line. Skype-to-Skype calls to other Skype users has always been free. Other features include: cross platform instant messaging and the ability to send and receive files via Skype.

See a close up view of the Belkin Wi-Fi Skype Phone ( F1PP000GN-SK ) and how it works.

    | Tags: skype, VoIP, wifi