Worlds First Skype Vid-Phone – Asus Ai Guru SV1
If you’re looking for a fully kitted out Skype Video phone with an “easy-to-use, icon-based interface” – you’ll need the Asus Ai Guru SV1.
It has a 7-inch LCD, integrated VGA webcam that will hook up to 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi or ethernet to a router, and even runs from a battery so it’ll let users chat for 20 minutes without mains power.
It’s the first Skype vid-phone, and you’ll be able to buy one for anyone that hasn’t got a puter – or those that enjoy wandering around as they chat – for $299.
Have a looksee at the press release:
Taipei, Taiwan, September 18, 2008 – September 18, 2008 – ASUS today unveiled the AiGuru SV1, the world’s first Skype Certifiedâ„¢ videophone dedicated to unlimited video calling over the Internet. Boasting a large 7″ display and a built-in webcam, speaker and microphone, the WiFi-capable videophone lets users make unlimited video calls for free to other Skype users without the need for a computer.
Its simple-to-use, icon-based interface and intuitive button layout take the complexity out of Internet calling – making it easy for anyone to make and receive Skype-to-Skype video and voice calls. Users can even join voice conferences, making the ASUS AiGuru SV1 an inexpensive, all-in-one voice and video conferencing solution for small businesses. Furthermore, the ASUS AiGuru SV1 also allows users to make and receive calls to and from fixed and mobile lines at really cheap rates.
“The AiGuru SV1 is Skype’s first foray with a partner into the videophone category,” said Jonathan Cristensen, Skype’s general manager, mobile and hardware devices. “With more than 25% of Skype-to-Skype calls including video, we know that video is fast becoming a mainstream way for people to communicate. The videophone offers the benefits of video calling to a much wider audience, allowing friends and families to share their worlds face-to-face without being tied to a computer.”
Free Calls Whenever, Wherever and Forever
With the ASUS AiGuru SV1, free unlimited video and voice calls can be made to anyone on Skype. Whether it’s a father, child, or business colleague receiving a video or voice call, they do not have to be using a videophone; as long as they are connected to Skype – via a computer or a Skype-enabled device – the call will always be free. This enables people worldwide to make Skype-to-Skype calls either at home or the office whenever the need or mood strikes, without having to worry about cost. ASUS AiGuru SV1 users looking to make outgoing and receive incoming calls to and from fixed and mobile lines can subscribe to one of Skype’s popular unlimited calling* subscriptions or purchase Skype credit to make outgoing calls at www.skype.comGreat Video and Voice Communications Experience
The ASUS AiGuru SV1 is designed specifically for video calling and is equipped with a large, high-resolution 7″ TFT LCD and an integrated webcam, for the best video calling quality. The ASUS AiGuru SV1 also features a built-in microphone and speaker supporting exceptional sound quality. Users who wish to have privacy during their calls can use a standard mini-jack headset and microphone.Easy to Set Up and Easy to Use
The ASUS AiGuru SV1 offers the quickest and easiest way to make free video calls – at no point is a computer or additional software required. Users can get up and running in three simple steps:
1. Connect to a broadband connection, either wirelessly or via an Ethernet cable
2. Sign-in with an existing Skype name or create a new one
3. Start video callingThe videophone is as easy to use as it is to set up. Its icon-driven user interface and clean, clearly labeled button layout are designed to be immediately intuitive to users.
With its WiFi capability, small footprint and rechargeable battery power system, the ASUS AiGuru SV1 also offers convenience in its portability. The user is neither tied to a wall socket nor a computer during use, which means the videophone can be moved from room to room without hassle, and without interrupting or dropping a call.
Availability
The ASUS AiGuru SV1 will initially be available for pre-order on September 18, 2008 in Europe and North America from Skype’s online shop (www.skype.com/shop). It will be on sale at the beginning of October 2008 priced $299.95/€249.95/£199.95. The videophone will be available in retail outlets in the Asia Pacific region later this year.*Unlimited calling: All calls are subject to Skype’s fair usage policy which is set at 10,000 minutes per month (which equates to more than 5 hours of calling per day). Unlimited calls to landlines in up to 36 countries worldwide are included. Calls to premium, non-geographic and other special numbers are excluded.
Specifications
Key Skype features– Skype-to-Skype video and voice calls
– Call fixed lines and mobiles with Skype credit and/or subscriptions
– Online Number (SkypeInâ„¢) – allows anyone to reach you on Skype
Presence
– Call forwarding
– Skype Voicemail
– Participate in voice conference calls (as a guest only)Interface
Wireless: 802.11 b/g
Wired: 10/100Mb Ethernet portProtocols
DHCP/Static IP/PPPoEDimensions
202 mm (L) x 123 mm (W) x 253 mm (H)Weight
1.6 kgDisplay
800 X 480 pixel 7″ TFT LCDCamera type
Built in Webcam CMOS (640 X 480 pixels)Audio
Integrated Speaker
Internal MicrophonePower supply
AC Adaptor: 12V/3ABattery life
Talking Time : 20 minutes
Standby Time : 30 minutesBattery charging time
2 hoursOperating distance
Wireless: 50 m (actual transmission distance may vary depending on operating conditions)Keypad and buttons
– Power button
– Volume keys
– 5-way navigation (Up, Down, Left, Right and Select keys)
– Menu key
– Back key
– Call key
– End keyI/O connectors
– 3.5 mm Headphone jack and Microphone jack
– RJ-45 connector
– USB type A connector
– DC Jack
– Battery connector
[Asus]
