[img src="" caption="" credit="" alt=""]
Skype’s mobile device, which we first learned about earlier this month, is officially making its debut today. The phone is being launched in partnership with mobile operator 3, initially in Britain, Australia, and Italy. The “Skypephone” will be available free with a contract or for 49.99 pounds for pay-as-you-go customers. For now, the phone does not include SkypeOut capabilities, so customers will still need to use the phone's regular calling features for calling non-Skype users.
Skypephone will feature a special button for making calls over Skype. The service works by making calls over the device’s data connection, thus allowing users to make phone calls over the Web as opposed to through the mobile network. Calls to other Skype users are free, though customers could of course see a bigger data bill depending on their wireless plan. Meanwhile, 3 will pay Skype royalties based on the number of users the phone attracts.
The device is being manufactured by Qualcomm and Amoi Electronics.