Panasonic has unveiled the new KX-WP800, a WLAN phone with Skyper functionality. Equipped with a 1.8-inch TFT LCD, the Panasonic KX-WP800 could be used to make voice calls over the internet using Skype without the need for a computer. This is possible because the handset itself comes with WLAN router. Moreover, you could also use the Panasonic KX-WP800 on any of Japan’s 32,000 FON access points, as it can utilize the “FON” WLAN sharing service. The Panasonic KX-WP800 Skype phone will be available starting March 28, 2008 and will be sold for US$290.

Of course the success of the device is very questionable, as there is not much money you have to put to this price in order to buy a smartphone with a built-in WLAN receiver, on which you can install Skype or Fring for free, and thus free Skype calls become available, while the device functions as a conventional mobile phone too, not mentioning the other smartphone features.