USRobotics Tethered USB Skype Phone

By Geoff Duncan Published May 8, 2006

USRobotics Tethered USB Skype Phone

USRobotics‘ USR9600 USB Internet Phone may not win ny awards for its form factor or for features which would rival 3G smartphones from major manufacturers, but it may win some kudos for doing one thing right and inexpensively: it carries a retail price of $49.99 but is being sold for $36.97, and the tethered USB Internet phone works seamlessly with VoIP service Skype, enabling users to place calls to other Skype users worldwide, or to standard telephones via the SkypeOut service.

While the USB Internet Phone is tethered to your USB (1.1 or 2.0) port, by not going wireless via Bluetooth or other cordless technology, the phone sits lighter in your pocketbook, coming in $70 to $100 less than cordless Skype handset competitors. The USB Internet Phone features an LCD screen with fixed-height characters (sorry, no backlight), supports Caller ID, full duplex operation, requires no batteries, and works with Windows 2000 and XP, as well as Mac OS X.

If you’re looking for something more suitable to an office or conference room, USRobotics also offers a $49.99 USB Internet Speakerphone which also operates off power from the USB port. Flashy? No. An inexpensive way to get someone using Skype? Certainly.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

Mobile

Here’s how iOS 18 is going to overhaul your iPhone’s email app

An iPhone showing the home screen in someone's hand.

We're just days away from Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2024), which means we're about to get our first look at iOS 18. The new iPhone operating system is expected to get RCS texting in the iMessage app, more customization options for the home screen, and maybe a significant design change overall. Now comes word that changes will be made to the native Mail app.

According to AppleInsider, the Mail app is about to undergo a significant transformation. It's getting a powerful new search tool, Smart Replies, automatic sorting for different email types, and more. But the real excitement lies in the app's expected integration of AI functionality, a feature becoming a hallmark of iOS 18.

Mobile

Apple just admitted defeat to Android phones

A Google Pixel 8 Pro in Porcelain (left) with an iPhone 15 Pro in Blue Titanium held in hand.

For years, Apple’s smartphones have held a decisive upper hand over Android devices in one crucial aspect: the longevity of the software support cycle. In a nutshell, as long as your phone keeps getting updates, it will run just about fine.

Brand assurances play a crucial role in buyer behavior, as long-term update support means your phone will not only get new tricks but also security flaws patched. Notably, Apple is not into the habit of quoting how many years it will offer software support for each device, but it has held the crown for a while.

Mobile

Google’s Gemini AI app gets a wider release. Is your phone on the list?

Google Gemini app on Android.

More people can now use and enjoy the Google Gemini AI app on their smartphone, as the company has expanded the list of regions where the Android version of the app is available through the Google Play Store. Specifically, it has launched the Android app in the U.K. and Europe, opening the service up far beyond its start in the U.S., where it was released in February.

What’s more, Google says Gemini will soon be available to iPhone owners, as the AI chatbot will appear on iOS in the next few weeks. It won’t be a standalone app though, as Gemini will instead work through the official Google app that can be downloaded now through the Apple App Store.