Skype on Thursday announced cordless phones that do not require a running computer to use its Voice over Internet Protocol services. The new class of phones lets users make and receive Skype calls over both Internet and traditional landlines. Skype has partnered with Philips and NetGear to introduce the first two cordless phones with this ability.
Skype recently introduced WiFi phones and Skype PocketPC wireless. Making a way for users to use the service without a running PC is the next step, according to Stefan Oberg, general manager, desktop and hardware at Skype.
Skype is talking up the benefits of the new phones, reminding users that cordless phones offer increased mobility and allow several people to hold separate conversations simultaneously using multiple cordless phone handsets. Since both the Philips VOIP841 and the NetGear cordless phones can make and receive traditional telephone calls through a landline, Skype is promoting them as replacements for ordinary cordless phones. However, the company made it clear that the phones do not replace landlines and cannot be used for emergency calling.