Software

Installing the Skyphone requires an active Skype account. It will interface with the application, so that you will be able to access your contacts and also dial any number you wish. You may further control the call itself by picking up & hanging up using the Skyphone.

The software does not have a GUI, but is simply represented by an icon in the system tray. There are a couple different such images, letting you know in what state the device and software currently is. It is quite informative and lets you know if a connection to the dongle is present or if the Skype API could be accessed.

Phone in Action

Once the software is installed, Skype 3.5 recognizes the new device and requests confirmation, if this is intended. Simply accept the above window and you are ready to go.


Using the Skyphone is surprisingly intuitive. Pressing the up arrow opens the phone book, pressing the down button goes through your list of contacts. If you want to make a call simply dial the number and press the green button. AirLive has managed to virtually eliminate any learning curve by keeping the Skyphone-1000 similar to cell phones.

The quality of calls is great, comparable to normal calls from a land line. The range of the Skyphone is just as you would expect from a Bluetooth enabled unit. I managed to make calls from outside of my room - with the door closed.

Value & Conclusion