The IPEVO free-1 USB phone for Skype

The Skype handset market is starting to get crowded. Now IPEVO has entered this burgeoning frontier with their new FREE.1 USB (read: tethered) handset. That large opening at the receiver area supposedly "significantly eliminates echoing effects" which if true, would be a welcome feature indeed. The "phone", which is really just a displayless Skype controller, boasts three function buttons: a Skype button which launches Skype on the PC; a SkypeOut button with pre-dial country codes; and an IM button (on a handset!?). In addition, it features a toggle-scroll for fast contact list searches and 3 user-programmable shortcut buttons for changing online status or setting the ring tone. Launched in Taiwan earlier this week, expect to see it Stateside around October. Oh, and regardless of the name, it's not free — it currently sells for about $27.

[barney @ Dec 19th 2005 2:05AM]

I need a wireless Skype handset with Mimo technology, and if it is possible they can put in WiMax technology too (And while they're at it, they might want to add 3G and GSM tech). It should automatically choose the cheapest way to make or recieve a call.
It would be a revolution!!!

[Matthew @ Dec 19th 2005 2:05AM]

While this doesn't seem like the best implementation for a Skype headset, IMO, you can't beat the price!

[ManxStef @ Dec 19th 2005 2:05AM]

Anyone know if any of these handsets have decent Mac support? I got my mum a Mac Mini and would like to give her a Skype handset -- rather than a headset, which she wouldn't get on with -- but can't find one that works well with an Apple. The best one looked like the VoIPVoice Cyberphone K, but the keypad doesn't function on an Apple, turning it into an expensive mic+speaker, and their promised Mac drivers are long overdue. Any suggestions?

[Isaac @ Dec 19th 2005 2:05AM]

What I really need is a skype handset that plugs into a router, not the computer. That way you don't have to have the computer on all the time. The skype program would be in firmware in the handset and be updateable. Haven't seen anything close to that yet.

[Cashmore @ Dec 19th 2005 2:05AM]

How very...utilitarian.

[Skype lover @ Dec 19th 2005 2:05AM]

check www.ipevo.com, they kind of launch it with ipevo's touch-1, also a usb phone connected to PC/NB. probably an older and cheap version of free-1, only cost 15.99 for one and 29.99 for two, can't beat the price. looking forward to the coming free-1 !

[mapin @ Dec 19th 2005 2:05AM]

why can't they make the darn thing wireless? i'm not talking crappy bluetooth, just standard 2.4 Ghz wireless like any other cordless phone.

[Skype lover @ Dec 19th 2005 2:05AM]

check this out

"New USB phone aimed at Skype users sells out in 2 days
Dan Nystedt

The first USB (universal serial bus) phone developed by a new Taiwanese venture focusing on hardware products for use with Skype's VoIP (voice over Internet protocol) software sold out in just 50 hours in Taiwan, a company representative said Friday.

The new USB phone, dubbed the Free.1, allows users to do away with the microphone and headset normally needed to make calls from a PC using Skype's popular software. Instead, users plug the Free.1 into a USB port and then make calls as they normally would - it looks and feels like a regular phone with a chord.

The Free.1 USB phone only comes in basic colors, black or white, a simple design made for use with Skype. After plugging it in through a USB port, a user can press a red "S" button to launch Skype and start talking to their friends PC to PC through the Internet. To get SkypeOut, a user only has to press a large "+" key, and the phone and software are ready for the PC to telephone service. Another button dubbed "list" opens a user's list of contacts, and then a wheel in the middle of the phone allows users to scroll down their contact lists, instead of using a mouse. Another nice feature is the phone rings like a normal home phone, alerting users to incoming calls so they don't have to keep watch over their computers.

The developer, Ipevo Inc., sold the Free.1 in Taipei for NT$899 (US$27.42) each, selling out of few thousand units quickly. But another batch of the phones is ready, and will be sold from FNAC bookstores in Taipei starting from Saturday, according to the company.

Ipevo, which is focused solely on developing new Skype-based communications products, was established by one of Taiwan's largest Internet portals, PCHome Online Inc. PCHome Online has a partnership with Skype Technologies SA to promote the Internet phone service in Taiwan, already attracting 2.5 million [M] users, according to PCHome.

Ipevo won't be limited to Taiwan, though. The San Jose, California-based hardware maker intends to sell its wares through the Internet to U.S. consumers at http://www.ipevo.com starting in October, according to Vicky Tseng, a representative from PCHome Online. Eventually, it will serve all markets, she said.

The company plans to market its first wireless Skype phone in November, according to Tseng."

Look carefully : "The company plans to market its first wireless Skype phone in November, according to Tseng."

[Skype lover @ Dec 19th 2005 2:05AM]

IPEVO launches free-1, skype usb phone, in US today at $ 29.99.

About free-1

IPEVO�s free-1 is clean-cut and neat. With its two choices - black and white, it draws immediate attention. Three unique reasons to love free-1 are its Buddy Jog, thoughtful 12 degree angle, and anti-crosstalk.

Buddy jog

Buddy jog will be the first feature to catch your attention. When you play with the buddy jog, you can�t help but Skype more and more friends. Greatest part is that Skype to Skype is totally free! Even if you SkypeOut to someone out of the Skype circle, it would cost so little!

Next time when you play with your Buddy jog, who do you want to Skype?

The 12� Angle

When using free-1, do not use it as if it was a regular phone, where you have to cup your hand over the mouth piece in order for the other party to hear you better. free-1 is designed to fit the angle of your face. The design of free-1 has placed the location of the ear and mouth piece for best fit and comfort of your communication needs.

Also when free-1 is placed on the table, the 12� angle is the best angle to fit in the palm of your hands. When you pick up free-1, it will fit the curves of your face at the same time feel weightless in the palm of your hand.

Hollow point (Anti-Crosstalk technology)

Users of free-1 simply need to speak in a normal tone to utilize the anti-crosstalk technology. Crosstalk is when 2 different voices or sounds are being transmitted simultaneously Crosstalk can cause static, delays and/or echo which detracts from the conversation.

To prevent such cases, free-1 is created with the hollow mouthpiece structure. This design allows for optimal distance between the speaker and mouthpiece to minimize the chance of echo. The hollow mouthpiece design creates a more realistic experience rather than speaking over the internet. We hope through Skype & IPEVO, we can shorten the distance between people and their love ones, bringing love and joy to the world.

[fresh @ Dec 19th 2005 2:05AM]

mapin
why can't they make the darn thing wireless? i'm not talking crappy bluetooth, just standard 2.4 Ghz wireless like any other cordless phone.

Hello all,

for a wireless solution check out the Cyberphone F1 wireless Skype phone 2.4Ghz.
http://www.cyberphone.nu