Listen up, readers in India: ASUSTeK Computer, Inc. (ASUS), a provider of digital home solutions, on Monday launched what it calls “the world’s first wireless music Skype phone,” in the Indian market.
The AiGuru S1 provides free international calls via Skype, WiFi connectivity, wireless music player functions, and remote controller features.
“The goal of digital home technologies is to share computer resource with other electronic devices around the house and provide greater convenience,” said Joe Hsieh, director of ASUS’ digital home business, in a statement. “The AiGuru S1 packed several practical features for easy and wireless access of PC functions. Skype, listen to music or even manage music library with this new product.”
ASUS in its announcement highlighted the following key advantages of AiGuru S1:
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Wireless Skype
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Wireless music player
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Basic and advanced phone functions
In appearance, ASUS’ new phone, with its upright cradle and white color, looks a lot like any cordless home phone. The company has set a retail price of approximately Rs 7750 (roughly $174).
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Ah, now THIS is the way things should be going. I think the traditional cellular networks are very nervous about this sort of thing (which is probably why it's illegal in my country to have SKYPE on your phone) – but inevitably, this is the way things are going to go whether they like it or not. What puzzles me, though, is instead of getting onboard now and finding a way to make money for themselves, they're just looking at it in nervousness and trying to prevent it from happening. It reminds me of the music industry and the mp3 scenario. If they wake up too late, they will find themselves with much bigger problems.