3 introduces next-generation Skypephone S2

by Stevie Smith - Aug 20 2008, 07:28

Labelled as the next-generation of Internet focused handsets, mobile phone operator 3 (Three) has rolled out its new Skypephone S2 device, which provides users with free Skype calls and instant messaging and also offers front-facing access to popular Internet services such as Facebook, Google, Windows Live Messenger and RSS feeds.

Designed to make “mobilised internet an easy-to-use and instantly accessible reality,” the Skypephone S2 arrives as the successor to 3’s already established original Skypephone, and is scheduled for an online and walk-in retail arrival this coming August 27 and September 01 respectively. Online pre-orders for the handset will open on August 19.

Other features bundled along with the next-gen Skypephone S2 include a new and “revolutionary” carousel user interface, which sees a switcher key -- located on the side of the handset -- supplying users with a quick and intuitive way to move between applications from any screen on the phone. According to 3, this new interface concept negates the need for “complex and fiddly menu systems” that have been known for making surfing the mobile Internet a difficulty.

"Using the Internet on your phone has sometimes been fiddly or complicated because of the limitations of traditional interfaces,” said Kevin Russell, chief executive officier of 3 UK.

“With the 3 Skypephone S2 we've taken our long experience of putting the web onto mobiles and have used it to create a new concept in user interfaces. The switcher key gives you instant and intuitive access to all of the core services on the phone's menu carousel from every screen -- making the mobile internet an easy to use reality.”

Aesthetic alterations unveiled via the Skypephone S2 see the introduction of elegant metal keys, a turned steel back and an overall premium finish, while function features include a 2.2-inch QVGA display screen, a 3.2 mega pixel digital camera, HSDPA capabilities and up to 4GBs of expandable memory.

Of course, with Skype branded through its name, the core focus of 3’s new handset is its VoIP ability, which is integrated directly into the phone and allows users to dispatch and receive completely free Skype-to-Skype calls and text messages to any other Skype user anywhere on the planet.

Note: Access is dependent on users being assigned to any of 3’s Pay Monthly service plans or that their Pay As You Go credit level is topped up.

To bolster its ‘plug and play’ Internet credentials and address the increasing demand for mobile broadband, the Skypephone S2 is equipped with built-in modem drivers that allow users to connect a single cable (supplied) to their laptop and jump instantly onto the Net.

“No need for a fixed line or a Wi-Fi hotspot,” outlines 3, “the phone will use the 3 network to get you online with HSDPA broadband speeds.”

Those looking to take advantage of the Skypephone S2 can secure it for free through any of 3’s Mix & Match service plans, while Pay As You Go fans can nab it for just £69.99 GBP.

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