Love talking on your PC but hate those crappy built-in or standalone microphones? Check out the new Panasonic TS710 USB speaker/handset. The device plugs into an available USB port on your PC and can switch between one of three different functions. It can be used in a hands-free speakerphone mode if you hate the idea of holding a handset or wearing a headset. If you’re looking for a more private conversation, you can use the TS710 like a traditional handset. Finally, the device can also act as an external PC speaker for your computer or notebook system. The TS710 is available in black or silver and has an MSRP of $59.95.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Panasonic TS710, KX-TS710, USB Speakerphone, Handset, VoIP, Speakerphone

Sony announced that the mylo COM-2 Personal Communicator has a new video upload tool that allows users to capture and upload MPEG-4 videos without the need of a PC. Videos can be recorded using the built-in 1.3 megapixel camera and then uploaded using the built-in Wi-Fi support.

With the mylo, users can listen to digital music, video videos, and play games. However, when they’re near wireless hotspots, they can also view multimedia content online, chat with others using Skype, IM with users using AIM, Yahoo!, Google, and Skype, and read/write email through AOL Mail, Google Gmail, and Yahoo! mail.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Sony mylo COM-2 Personal Communicator, video upload

Panasonic introduced a new Skype Internet phone last Friday in Japan called the KX-WP800. Similar to the KX-WP1050, the KX-WP800 operates without the need of a PC and even comes with its own integrated wireless router. Features of the Panasonic KX-WP800 include:

• Ability to place Skype phone calls without a PC using Wi-Fi
• Compatible with FON hotspots
• Includes wireless router integrated into station
• Long battery life
• Supports 801.11 b/g
• Supports WEP 64/128 bit, WPA-PSK(TKIP, AES)
• 4.5 hour talk time
• 1.8 inch TFT LCD display
• Lithium Ion battery

The Panasonic is due out on March 28th for around 29,800 yen.

[Check it out via Akihabara News]

Technorati Tags: Panasonic KX-WP800, Skype

If you’re a heavy Skype user, then you’ll be happy to hear that Belkin has announced a new desktop device called the Belkin Desktop Internet Phone for Skype. This standalone phone allows you to make free Skype Internet calls without the need for a computer. Simply plug the phone into your network, provide your login ID and begin enjoying free calls to other Skype users out there. The phone also supports the SkypeOut calls to landlines and mobiles anywhere in the world (which requires the purchase of Skype credit on Skype.com). Features include:

• Speaker, speed dial, call hold/release, call pickup/park. mute, redial, hold, call-timer display, and contact list
• Contact list supports over 500 sets of Skype and SkypeOut contacts
• Automatically logs into Skype after initial login
• Plugs into network
• Supports SkypeIn - a personal online number where friends and family can call from ordinary phones and you can pick up the call in Skype

The Belkin Desktop Internet Phone for Skype will be available in March 2008 for $99.99.

Technorati Tags: Belkin, Desktop Internet Phone for Skype, Skype, CES 2008