ASUS releases a Skype-certified standalone videophone

ASUS has unveiled the AiGuru SV1, the world's first Skype Certified videophone dedicated to unlimited video calling over the Internet.

With a large 7" display and 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.

Users can even join voice conferences, making the ASUS AiGuru SV1 an inexpensive, all-in-one voice and video conferencing solution for small businesses. It 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."

The ASUS AiGuru SV1 offers a quick and easy way to make free video calls, and at no point is a computer or additional software required.

The ASUS AiGuru SV1 will initially be available for pre-order on 18th September 2008 in Europe and North America from Skype's online shop. It will be on sale at the beginning of October 2008 priced US$299.95/€249.95/£199.95.

The videophone will be available in retail outlets in the Asia Pacific region later this year.