In a collaboration effort between Skype and Thomson, the two companies have announced a partnership to develop a family of new consumer products. Today, the companies announced their first joint offering, the GE DECT (News - Alert) 6.0 Wireless Handset.

 

Digital Enhanced Cordless Technology (DECT) is included in the Skype (News - Alert)-certified handset, meaning callers not only enjoy improvements to quality of their cordless telephone experience, but are also able to use the phones to make calls over the internet.

 

This new combination further drives the adoption of internet telephone communications in the home by making it accessible to user's right from their handheld telephones.

 

Cordless telephones have in the past been noted for providing not so perfect communications including static and popping. With the DECT 6.0, these worries are resolved because technology built into the device offers optimal voice quality, free of interferences.

 

With the new device, users are able to also enjoy features offered by Skype including, Skype Out, Skype Voicemail and Skype In.

 

Some of the other features also include:

 

-A speakerphone built right into the handset

 

-A Color LCD screen for Skype messaging

 

-Ringers that can be set to match specific contacts

 

-Hearing AID compatibility

 

According to a recent news release, "The new GE DECT 6.0 Wireless Handset for Skype uses power management technology and boasts up to 120 hour standby time and 10 hour talk time."

 

"The fact that one of the top telephony providers in the world is offering a handset specifically designed for Skype is an incredible testimony and validation of the global popularity of Internet voice communications," commented Stefan Oberg, General Manager, Desktop and Hardware at Skype in a statement to the press.

 

Look out for the new handset to be available this fall for a suggested retail of $149.00.

 

 

What’s the Number One VoIP Conference in terms of attendance? What’s the leading VoIP Expo for exhibitors in terms of lead generation? And which VoIP industry event will feature special attractions for Service Providers, Resellers, and the Enterprise and SMB market as well as an overview on the Future of IP Telephony? Answer: INTERNET TELEPHONY Conference & Expo, WEST, which runs October 10-13, 2006. See you in San Diego!