Introducing the First Cordless Phones for Skype that Do Not Require a Computer; Philips and NETGEAR(R) to Launch The First PC-Free, Cordless Internet/Traditional Phones for the Skype Community

Skype (NASDAQ:EBAY), the global Internet communications
company, today announced cordless phones that do not require a running
computer, which are provided by well known hardware partners of Skype.
This new class of phone enables Skype(TM) users to make and receive
both Skype calls over the Internet and traditional landline calls,
without a computer, and offers the added convenience of a cordless
phone. The first series of products to be launched in this class are
the Philips VOIP841 cordless phone and NETGEAR's cordless phone for
Skype.
"We are broadening our reach to mass consumers by offering them
the opportunity to communicate via Skype without having to be tied to
the computer," said Stefan Oberg, general manager, desktop and
hardware at Skype. "Skype has already introduced Wi-Fi phones and
Skype for PocketPC wireless. Now Skype is taking the next step and
working together with Philips and NETGEAR, to introduce PC-free
cordless phones. The cordless phones for Skype launched today, give
Skype users the flexibility to enjoy free Skype to Skype calls and
inexpensive calls to ordinary and mobile phones anywhere in the house,
at any time without a running computer."
Cordless phones offer increased mobility throughout the home or
office, giving consumers the freedom and flexibility of not being
tethered to their computer. Also, consumers with multiple cordless
phone handsets in their home have the ability to hold separate
conversations simultaneously - one on Skype, the second on the
traditional line - each from a different handset. Both the Philips and
NETGEAR cordless phones have Skype running on them out of the box, and
they can act as a replacement for an ordinary cordless phone, because
they can make and receive traditional telephone calls through the
landline line connection. Skype itself is not a replacement of an
ordinary phone and it can not be used for emergency calling. Existing
Skype users can sign into their account, conveniently downloading all
their contacts to the cordless phone. Users also have the ability to
search for Skype contacts directly on the phone, and add them to an
integrated contact list for both Skype contacts and traditional phone
numbers.
"Philips drives innovation by developing easy-to-use products that
help to integrate new technologies into the lifestyles of consumers,
while continuing to further enhance their entertainment experience at
home and on the go," said Lucas Covers, Senior Vice President and
Chief Marketing Officer at Philips Consumer Electronics. "We pride
ourselves on providing a range of DECT Internet phones and devices
that enable crystal clear voice calls for every type of Skype user.
The VOIP841 is the perfect phone that offers consumers features that
will personalize their Internet communications without compromising
the best-in-class innovative technologies from Philips and Skype."
"We are pleased to continue working with Skype to bring
high-quality, innovative products to the millions of Skype
enthusiasts," said Vivek Pathela, NETGEAR's vice president of product
marketing. "In addition to our Skype WiFi phone (now available), the
cordless phone for Skype will make it easy for people to connect with
friends, family, and colleagues around the world."
The Philips and NETGEAR cordless phones will be Skype
Certified(TM). The Skype certification is designed to reassure users
that products will be easy to use, and will work well with Skype
software. Skype Certified hardware products undergo rigorous testing
for more than a month to ensure that they meet Skype's high usability
and technical quality standards.
Premium Skype features, including SkypeOut(TM) for inexpensive
international calls to traditional landlines and mobile phones,
SkypeIn(TM) to receive calls from landline or mobile phones on Skype,
and Skype Voicemail will all be easily accessible through the phone.
The cordless phones for Skype are accompanied by a remote DECT
base station that plugs into both the broadband connection and the
traditional phone line. The system handles both Skype and ordinary
calls in one phone, presented through an easy-to-use, user interface.
Both the Philips and NETGEAR cordless phones boast a full color
graphic display, simplified calling features with an integrated
contact list, and an enhanced speakerphone with great voice clarity.
Skype welcomes attendees to a series of international press round
tables at IFA, co-hosted with Philips, that will take place on
September 1st, 2006, in Hall 22. Skype and Philips executives will
introduce the Philips VOIP841 cordless phone and discuss the future of
Internet communications.
The Skype Certified Philips VoIP841 cordless phone will be
available for the 2006 holiday season.

About Skype

Skype is the world's fastest-growing Internet communication
offering, allowing unlimited free voice and video communication
between Skype users. Skype is available in 27 languages and is used in
almost every country around the world. Skype generates revenue through
its premium offerings such as making and receiving calls to and from
landline and mobile phones, voicemail, call forwarding and
personalization including ringtones and avatars. Skype also has
relationships with a growing network of hardware and software
providers.
Skype is an eBay company (NASDAQ:EBAY). To learn more visit
skype.com.
Skype is not a replacement for your ordinary telephone and cannot
be used for emergency calling.
Skype, SkypeIn, SkypeOut, Skype Me, Skype Certified, Skypecasts,
associated logos and the "S" symbol are trademarks of Skype Limited.
NETGEAR(R) and the NETGEAR logo are trademarks or registered
trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. in the United States and/or other
countries. Information is subject to change without notice. All rights
reserved.