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Skype-Ready Phones From Motorola

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the more-than-one-way-to-talk dept.

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."

3 of 217 comments (clear)

  1. Wi-Fi is mostly free now... by Jonboy+X · · Score: 4, Insightful

    But for how much longer will local restaurants let people suck up all the bandwidth that is supposed to be serving all of the customers?

    For that matter, how much bandwidth does a Skype VoIP call actually use?

    --

    "In a 32-bit world, you're a 2-bit user. You've got your own newsgroup, alt.total.loser." -Weird Al
  2. Please do not use Skype! by hairyface · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Dear Consumer, Skype have based their products on a proprietary protocol. They hope to corner the market, and if they succeed in that aim, their services will not remain free. If you care about the future of VOIP, go with any other solution (even if it's currently less slick, technically), using the open SIP protocol. The choices you make as a consumer (even of so-called "free" products) determine our future.

  3. Why would they bother with !skype by awehttam · · Score: 4, Insightful
    Why on earth would Motorola or any of the other telecomms equipment manufacturers support standardized VoIP protocols. It's not like they're in the business to help us communicate better for the sake of helping us communicate better.

    Skype, sure. It's a truly alternative internet-based voice medium that doesn't directly compete with incumbment provider/pstn networks. No +1 NPA NNX NNNN dialing or anything Aunt Tilly would be used to.

    I just don't see why they would shoot themselves in the foot by supporting SIP, IAX or MGCP.