Skype when you’re on the move

Skype and 3 Mobile have joined forces to create a mobile phone that can use both normal phone networks and Skype internet telephony, PCWorld reports.

Set to be available in Australia by Christmas, the “3 Skypephone” lets people make free Skype-to-Skype calls and send free instant messages to other users internationally as well as accessing 3’s other network services.

The phone will include a two mega pixel camera, full Skype functionality with contacts, call logos and presence, access to Java and 3D games, internet browsing and Bluetooth – and retail for $179 pre-paid or free with a 3 call plan.

The 3 Skypephone, available in white with a sky blue trim, white with a hot pink trim and black, is also launching in Britain, Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy and Sweden.

The new phone is the first step in making the Skype revolution mobile, according to Skype Asia Pacific’s head of business development Chris Lewis.