Features

Turn Your Phone Into a Skype Phone

By Dilip Thomas

USRobotics has unveiled a new USB adapter that lets users make both Skype Internet Telephony calls and traditional PSTN calls via their existing PSTN telephone handset. The Skype certified USR9620 USB Telephone Adapter, unveiled this week at CeBIT in Hannover, is simple to install and use, and requires no additional hardware from a PSTN or broadband provider. Users connect an analog telephone line and a standard cordless or corded telephone to the USR9620, and then connect the USR9620 to a USB port on their computer running the Skype software and connected to the Internet via broadband.

Telephones that can display caller ID are automatically enhanced to display Skype user name, as well as PSTN caller identification*. Advanced call waiting handling allows for notification of incoming calls (Skype or PSTN) while the phone is in use and lets users switch between the calls or even link a Skype call and a PSTN call in a three-way conference.

Intelligent forwarding of incoming Skype calls to mobile phones or landline phones and vice versa means USR9620 users will no longer have to stop using Skype’s low cost calling services when they are away from their computer. Simply configure the USR9620 to forward unanswered Skype calls to another phone number and the USB Telephone Adapter will forward the Skype call over the PSTN connection. Users can also access Skype via the PSTN or mobile network by dialing in to their USR9620 to place Skype and Skype Out calls from any remote location.

The company however has not disclosed details on when the Skype certified USR9620 USB Telephone Adapter will be available for purchase.