Skype Announces New Partners, Products

VoIP provider rolls out a wide array of new products related to helping consumers to get online with their service.

VoIP service Skype today at the Consumer Electronics Show rolled out a swath of new products and services to provide greater use and tie in to its primary offering. These offerings come from alliances with Creative, D-Link, Ipevo, Kodak, Netgear, Panasonic and Vtech.

Specifically, the deals Skype announced are:

• Creative Skype Internet PhonePLUS – a standalone phone that enables anyone to make free Skype calls over the Internet without a PC connection
• D-Link Skype USB Phone Adapter (DPH-50U) – a Skype phone adapter that enables the use of Skype on a traditional phone
• Ipevo Fly-1 Cordless Handset and Xing Speakerphone – PC and Mac compatible Ipevo Fly-1 cordless Skype USB handset and an Ipevo Xing Skype USB speakerphone
• Kodak Photo Voice – a beta version of the first Skype certified online photo sharing service, available as a free download.
• Netgear – a new communications device to be unveiled at CES on Wednesday, January 4th.
• Panasonic – a cordless telephone product that interfaces directly with Skype, allowing users to make and receive Skype calls and traditional calls using the same device
• VTech USB7100 Phone – availability of the previously announced VTech USB phone, expandable with up to four handsets and allows users to view their online contacts

“The growing Skype ecosystem of leading consumer electronics companies gives Skype users innovative, easy-to-use products and validates the market for Internet calling,” said James Bilefield, vice president of business development for Skype.