Skype certified videophone hits the shops
We’re working to make Skype available on as many different devices as possible. Earlier in the summer we launched the 3 Skypephone S2, and our Linux team also shared their plans to bring Skype to the new generation of MIDs in the autumn.
Today, however, we’re very excited to announce that the ASUS AiGuru SV1 is now available for purchase direct from the Skype Shop in North America, and for pre-order in Europe. It’ll be available in Asia later this year.
]]>The ASUS AiGuru SV1, part of the Eee Phone family, is the first ever Skype certified standalone videophone, which allows you to make unlimited free voice and video calls without using a computer. It’s a neat desktop (or kitchen counter-top, or coffee table-top) device which you can use to make free calls to other Skype users, whether they’re using Skype on their desktop or laptop computer, on their mobile phone or on another videophone.
It’s designed to be simple to use with a large tactile control and a bright high-resolution 7" TFT LCD. It has an integrated webcam which is optimised for use in low light conditions so you’ll get a good quality video call at home. It also features a built-in microphone and speaker, though you can use a standard headset and microphone if you want to increase privacy during calls. It connects to the internet either using wi-fi or an ethernet network cable, and it has rechargeable batteries as well as a mains supply, making it easy to move around your home or office, even mid-call.
Although the ASUS AiGuru SV1 doesn’t offer all of the functionality you find in Skype for computers, we’ve made sure that all the important bits are in there. You can:
- Make Skype-to-Skype voice and video calls, including voice conference calls
- See presence information, so you know who’s online
- Make cheap calls – call landlines and mobiles around the world with Skype credit and/or subscriptions
- Use your online number – allows anyone to reach you wherever you are in the world
- Receive voicemail, and see when you’ve missed calls
- Review your Skype account details
The ASUS AiGuru SV1 is available for purchase or pre-order (depending on where you are) from the Skype Store, and is priced at €269.95/$299.95/£219.95. We’ll begin shipping straight away in North America, and European orders should start zooming in your direction later this month.
That is incredibly cool, but at a price point that is going to be close to 350$ US (after shipping and taxes), they are going to have a hard time selling against the netbooks like the Inspiron mini with a webcam (that are the same price and a complete PC).
True in that Netbooks are a possibly priced about the same, but have you tried Skype video on an Atom processor? Its H.232/MPEG-4 is econding/decoding is sorely lacking. Expect less then 10 fps (if that) and choppy performance with a Netbook, they just don’t have the gusto. I’d be curious to hear about and see one of these dedicated Skype video devices and how well it performs.
Sounds like a home run to me! I begged Apple to bring this to AppleTV, but alas, this will do just fine. There is a HUGE market for grandma and grandpa that aren’t getting any younger. We’d love to be more (easily) connected to our families in general. Good job!
We have had this phone for two weeks and love it! Our daughter and her family moved to Abu Dhabi for two years last month and the ease in setup and the quality of the video and audio is great.
I bought the AiGuru for my Dad who is 88 and has tough time manipulating a mouse. RIght now he has a Macbook running skype with Auto Answer with Video and its been perfect except for the mouse which he finds difficult to use. SO I thought this would be an replacement for this setup.
Is it?
NO WAY!
What is it with Asian Tech companies that they cannot execute a great idea. Oh yes – lets wait for Apple to come along and destroy our model – meanwhile, we will just send half-baked, poorly thought out, horrible looking products and hope it stick to the ceiling! Having travelled, lived in Asia – I find that the Asian companies design for the younger hipper generation – completely ignoring the older (more wealthy) customer base. Feature after feature is thrown in – with scant regard for ergonomics. The iPhone has proved it and the AiGuru proves it also – albeit in a negative fashion.
So what is right about the AiGuru:
1. Price
2. Single Function
3. Small enough to be considered portable.
4. Good Video Quality
What is wrong about it?
1. Everything else.
2. Touchscreen is not designed for Non-computer users. If a user needs to press multiple buttons to get anywhere on the menu, why not just get a Netbook for about the same cost?
3. Skype setup is frustrating and not designed for this kind of product. We could blame Skype for not listening to the older user base who want a simplified product – but Asus could have done better.
4. Setup from start is flawed – it couldnt connect to my wireless OR wired network until I rebooted and reset twice!
5. Whats the deal with the battery – its barely enough to be useful in a power failure situation – not for extended use.
6. No Auto Answer WITH Video – again ignores the senior citizen.
7. No remote management capability – I do that with Logmein on the Macbook.
8. Terrible online support and website – support for all products are mixed up – the forums barely have 20 topics and hardly any user interaction. Asus refuses to participate in the forums – so its basically a censored rant area.
Bottom Line: Get a Netbook or wait for the Apple Tablet.
PS – I am not returning mine because I think it will make a passable conference room device for my office.