While Voice over Internet Phone (VoIP) providers are getting more and more popular, it appears that it may be time for Vonage to move over and recognize Skype as the undisputed king. Skype has long been one of the most popular computer applications when it comes to free texting and instant messaging using a laptop, desktop, mobile phone or tablet.

Skype now appears poised to move from only being used on a computer or smartphone and come into the living rooms of an untapped market. There are still plenty of people who use a landline as their home phone and for the first time in its history, Skype is moving towards those people. The first device that will have tongues wagging is the Skype ‘FREETALK Connect•Me Home Phone Adapter’ which works much the same way the Vonage VOIP devices do. Simply connect your phone and your broadband internet router to the adapter and then let Skype do the rest. Obviously texting isn’t done on this particular device but you can make free Skype to Skype calls just like on your computer. 

Users who have the adapter will also get to make calls to other landlines and cellphones at the usual low fees that Skype charges. 

In addition to a dedicated adapter, Skype is also launching a bit of a partnership with General Electric in the form of the ‘GE Digital Cordless Expandable Telephone with Skype’. This particular phone doesn’t need an adapter as it actually comes fully functional with the Skype package already included. With the launch of these two new products today, Skype is also offering several different packages that are aimed at saving you money in the long term. With the adapter, packages start with 60 minutes of phone calls to non-Skype customers for $39.99 and topping out at three free months of calling to anywhere in the world for $59.99 price tag. 

You can get the phone plus 400 minutes of calls for a low of $69.99 all the way up to three months of free calls anywhere for $89.99 total. The phone and the adapter are available through the Skype store or eBuyNow starting now, though at first you will only be able to get the devices in the U.S. and Canada. Skype plans to launch in other countries around the world in the coming months.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO West 2011, taking place Sept. 13-15, 2011, in Austin, Texas. ITEXPO offers an educational program to help corporate decision makers select the right IP-based voice, video, fax and unified communications solutions to improve their operations. It's also where service providers learn how to profitably roll out the services their subscribers are clamoring for – and where resellers can learn about new growth opportunities. To register, click here.

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