Product category:
Communications ICs (Wireless)
News Release from: Broadcom Corp | Subject: Wi-Fi phone platform
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 21 March 2007
Wi-Fi platform enables novel Skype
handset
Panasonic has used the Broadcom Wi-Fi phone platform and other key technologies for its new Skype Wi-Fi phone, the KX-WP1050, and travel router bundle.
Panasonic has used the Broadcom Wi-Fi phone platform and other key technologies for its new Skype Wi-Fi phone, the KX-WP1050, and travel router bundle Panasonic's Skype Wi-Fi phone allows consumers to make and receive phone calls, as well as have an Internet connection, while at home or on the road
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 19 Oct 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
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Unlike a traditional cordless phone, the Skype-enabled Wi-Fi phone is unique because it allows users to see if other Skype users are available and make immediate connections to friends and family members from their Skype buddy lists.
The Panasonic phone uses technology from Broadcom's Wi-Fi phone platform, which combines voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and wireless LAN technologies, enabling voice calls to be made over the Internet via a Wi-Fi network connection.
Furthermore, the Broadcom solutions in the travel router enable an easy-to-use, secure and portable Internet connection that users can take anywhere.
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Video phone chipset incorporates Wi-Fi
Broadcom has developed the world's first Wi-Fi video phone chipset for wireless handsets and desktop video IP phones.
Announced earlier this month, the Panasonic KX-WP1050 Wi-Fi phone system combines the cost savings of Skype, with the freedom of a wireless handset that is ideal for business travelers and people on-the-go.
The phone includes support for features such as Skype Voicemail and direct access to a user's Skype buddy list.
"As a leader in consumer telephone products, Panasonic's decision to support voice over-Wi-Fi technology confirms that widespread adoption is imminent in the consumer market", said Daniel De Guzman, Product Line Manager for Broadcom's Consumer VoIP line of business.
"Broadcom's Wi-Fi phone platform and wireless access point chipset enable Panasonic to deliver a simple, plug-and-go Internet-ready phone for people who want to enjoy the benefits of Skype with the convenience of a Panasonic Wi-Fi cordless handset".
"Voice over-Wi-Fi technology is gaining popularity and is expected to become a mainstream communications choice for consumers", said Mike Timar, National Marketing Manager, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company.
"Broadcom's Wi-Fi phone platform combines industry leading VoIP and wireless LAN technologies with a compelling software solution that offers important features to address battery-life, voice quality, connectivity and quality of service standards".
The Panasonic KX-WP1050 Wi-Fi Phone enables users to talk to other Skype users anywhere in the world for free, to make cheap SkypeOut calls to landlines and mobile handsets worldwide, and to use SkypeIn to receive calls from regular telephones.
Easy to set up, and featuring a high-resolution colour display and speakerphone, the KX-WP1050 is Skype Certified and available worldwide.
In addition, it comes with built-in technology allowing users to connect to Skype via a personal, business or free public Wi-Fi access point and does not require browser authentication.
The travel router plugs into an RJ45 jack and features 802.11b/g and Ethernet connectivity.
Access to a broadband Internet connection is required for Skype and all Skype Certified devices and accessories.
Similar to running Skype on your PC, Skype in the Wi-Fi phone is not a replacement for your traditional telephone service and cannot be used for emergency calling.
Broadcom's Wi-Fi phone reference design consists of the BCM1161 mobile VoIP processor and BCM4318E AirForce One 54g chip.
The Panasonic travel router incorporates two additional Broadcom devices, the BCM5352E AirForce 802.11g router system-on-a-chip (SoC) and the BCM2050 2.4GHz radio.
Additionally, the BCM4318E and BCM5352E feature Broadcom's BroadRange technology, a standards-compliant hardware enhancement that extends the range of 54g-based wireless devices.
The technology uses advanced signal processing techniques to provide the industry's best receive sensitivity, enabling Wi-Fi users to maintain high-speed and reliable wireless connections at up to 50% further distances from an access point.
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