Asus Rings Up a Skype Videophone

Skype gets ahold of Asus's re-branded videophone, which can handle audio and video Skype calls, and can connect to the Internet via Ethernet or 802.11g Wi-Fi.

VoIP service Skype has millions (and millions!) of subscribers worldwide because it enables users to engage in free computer-to-computer voice and video calling via the Internet—and, of course, users with paid accounts can connect to landlines and mobile phones. But Skype still has a few barriers to entry for the non-tech-savvy crowd who are intimidated by setting up microphones, Web cams, and software applications. So, now Skype has gotten ahold of Asus’s Eee Videophone, re-christened it the Asus AiGuru SV1, and is touting it as a standalone videophone solution for folks like grandparents who might want to engage in VoIP voice and video calls, but don’t want to be fussing with a computer to do it.

The Asus AiGuru SV1 features a 7-inch 800 by 480 pixel LCD display, an integrated VGA-resolution Web cam, and integrated Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity to hitching on to a household’s existing Internet connection. The unit also sports microphone and headphone jacks, and its software can be updated from a PC via a USB connection—other than that, no computer is needed. Users don’t have to have a Skype account to use the device—they can create one right from its interface—and both Skype and Asus tout the AiGuru SV1 as being simple to set up and use. The device also has a rechargeable battery, so (if users are using Wi-Fi) the unit can be picked up and moved around while in use.

The Asus AiGuru SV1 is priced at $299.995.