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USRobotics touts a Skype/PSTN bridge

By Keith Shaw on Mon, 03/13/06 - 4:32pm.
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Bridge the gap between Skype and PSTNIf you're a Skype user and you don't like using the PC's microphone or buy a separate headset, USRobotics has a new telephone adapter that connects a regular PSTN handset to your system and integrates with Skype.

The company today announced its USR9620 USB Telephone Adapter, which connects an analog telephone cable to the handset and then connects to the PC via a USB cable. With Skype software and a broadband-connected PC, users can use their handset to make and receive Skype Internet calls. The adapter also connects to a regular telephone line, so users can make calls through their regular phone line as well, USRobotics says.

Phones that can display caller ID information can display a Skype user name with the adapter, the company adds. An advanced call waiting handling feature allows for notification of incoming calls (whether Skype or PSTN) while the phone is in use, and lets users switch between the calls, or even link a Skype call with a PSTN call in a three-way conference. The system also supports intelligent forwarding of incoming Skype calls to a mobile phone or landline phone. When configured, unanswered Skype calls will be forwarded over the PSTN connection.

Pricing and availability were not announced.

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