Linksys WIP320 iPhone

By Andrew Beehler Published October 19, 2009

Linksys, a division of Cisco Systems, is well known as a manufacturer of voice, wireless and networking hardware for consumer and business uses. One of their latest forays into this territory is their newest Voice over IP (VoIP) solution known as the WIP320 iPhone (not to be confused with an Apple product) Wireless-G Phone for Skype.

At first glace the WIP320, priced at $199.99, looks like a regular candy-bar style cell phone with its 1.8” TFT color LCD screen and number dialing/function keys. Instead of accessing a cellular signal however, this Linksys iPhone makes use of 802.11 b/g wireless technology, commonly found in wireless hotspots at places such as Starbucks and airports, to make phone calls using the Skype VoIP communication service.

The WIP320 iPhone comes pre-loaded with the Skype application and lets users make free (to other Skype users) or inexpensive (to non-Skype users) calls through the wireless Internet access point the device is synced with. Real time contact list access and online availability information are displayed so callers can more easily connect with their Skype buddies. Also supported by the WIP320 are other Skype services like SkypeOut, SkypeIn and Skype Voicemail.

Linksys WIP320 iPhone
Image Courtesy of Linksys

The WIP320, which measures 1.77” x 4.65” x 0.81” and weighs 3.5 ounces, has a rechargeable battery which is charged through a USB port on the side of the phone. When in use, the phone is capable of displaying a user’s caller ID so one can see information on the number calling in. This Linksys iPhone also has a number of other handy features including a mute button for privacy, an earphone jack, an indoor range of 75 meters and a handsfree speakerphone function.

More information on the Linksys WIP320 iPhone Wireless-G Phone for Skype can be found at the Linksys Web site.

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Emerging Tech

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Andrew Beehler has been with Digital Trends since 2009 and works with agencies and direct clients. Prior to joining Digital…

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