Skype launches cell phone

The popular internet phone service Skype has released its own cell phone, which can be used to make calls over the internet.

Dubbed the Skypephone, the device is the result of a collaboration between Skype and the mobile company 3. As well as being able to make VoIP calls, Skypephone will also be able to be used to make normal cell phone calls and access the internet. Michael van Swaaji, acting chief executive at Skype, is quoted in the Telegraph as saying: "Skype has now taken a giant step forward in the mobile arena.

"It takes an innovative operator like 3 to challenge traditional thinking and offer the kind of product other operators are still shying away from." Meanwhile, eBay recently stated that when it acquired Skype in 2005 for $2.6 billion it paid too much. Because Skype earnings that were forecast have yet to materialize, Skype will only take charge of $1.43 billion of the money.