Skype-Ready Phones From Motorola

Hack Jandy writes "Seamlessly integrating VoIP and GSM might not be a fantasy after all, as Motorola announced their decision to build cell phones and handsets that have Skype Internet Telephony integrated into the devices. Obviously, one could use Skype for outgoing calls near wi-fi hotspots (essentially free) but default on GSM for outgoing calls in areas that lack coverage."

New server?

[perlionex]

From their website's about page [xbitlabs.com]:

We are really very happy with this server solution, because it does show very high stability, reliability and performance. I believe that you can notice it yourselves by the short time it takes to load X-bit's pages today... We have had good experience with this server and see it working reliably and fast...

Let's see how well their MSI MS-9204 2U server stands up against a /.ing... :p

Avian accessibility

[African Grey]

Is there a possibility that there will be some kind of accessory to make these phones more parrot-friendly? Some variation of the hands-free devices some of you humans use while driving would work well. As you probably know, my species is very talkative and it would be great to be able to chat long-distance without paying a wing and a leg to do so.

And you can use the phone as a PHONE!

[ABeowulfCluster]

Not only does it play MP3's, act as a PDA, GPS, Navigator, Camera, Game Pod, RFID gizmo, but you can use it as a COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE!

And in other news...

[supabeast!]

Verizon, MCI, Cingular, T-Mobile, and Virgin all announced plans to disable this feature before selling the phones to customers.

Re:Call ANYWHERE without GSM

[_ph1ux_]

Driver: Hey, can you tell me how to get to 101 from here.

Nerd: Ya, its about 2 blocks from here. Just go straight till you hit the stop sign, turn left then head down 4 lights - make a right continue till you see the big apartment building on the left.

Then you need to drive through that lot, exit the back way and turn on Baxter. from Baxter you make a U turn at the next light and there is the freeway entrance.

Driver: WTF kind of directions are those??

Nerd: Thats the War-Skyping way - this way you wont lose WiFi signal.

Short answer-

[PseudoSchizo]

Short answer- yes with an 'if'.. long answer- no with a 'but'..

Re:Essentially Free????

[yennieb]

No, which is why I applied the example to myself, someone who makes almost only US-to-US calls.

I'm fairly sure that my comment applied to a few other people here, and negates a lot of the "essentially free" implied by the summary.

Yes, it's a good deal for calling Detroit from Qatar, for all of you out there with WiFi access in Qatar and relatives in Michigan.

- Brian

no way!

[fr1kk]

imagine a beowulf cluster of these babies!