UK Launch for the World’s First Skype Certified™ Standalone Videophone

ASUS is pleased to present the world’s first Skype Certified™ videophone dedicated to unlimited, free video calling over the Internet without the need for a computer.

Developed in conjunction with Skype, the compact, user-friendly and portable Eee Videophone is part of the Eee Videophone product family.

Key Features and functions:- The World’s First PC-Free Videophone for Skype boasts a range of features and functions that make it a great choice for business or personal use.

AV Hardware:- The unit sports a large clear 7” LCD display.

Alongside the LCD, the unit features an integrated webcam, speaker and microphone, providing exceptional sound quality for all calls.

Furthermore with high quality video sensor onboard the Eee Videophone webcam operates better than other camera solutions under low lux environment (i.e. within darker rooms).

For users who wish to have privacy during their calls a standard mini-jack headset and microphone are also supplied.

Firmware:- The unit provides an intuitive, easy to use Icon-Based User Interface that’s a snip to use for even the most techno-phobic.

Connectivity:- Dual connectivity is also included - both Wireless (WiFi) and Wired (LAN) functionality is available for
internet calls.

Portability:- The Eee Videophone doesn’t need to be attached to a wall socket or to a PC during usage as it includes a built-in, rechargeable battery. So not only can it be conveniently situated anywhere, users also won’t suffer from a ‘blackout’ whilst moving from room to room during conversation.

Availability:- Consumers in Europe can pre-order the Eee Videophone from either amazon.co.uk or the Skype shop, priced at around £219.95.

Please see specification for full technical detail.


DID you know?

Skype was founded in 2003...

Skype has more than 370 million registered users globally...

People have made more than 100 billion minutes worth of free Skype-to-Skype calls...

To find out more about Skype, click here.

Skype, associated trade marks and logos and the “S” symbol are trade marks of Skype Limited.

Businesses can take advantage of new incentive to recruit more staff

AS of the 6 April 2009 businesses will be able to take advantage of up to £2500 recruitment and 'on the job' training subsidies, as an incentive to take on people who've been looking for work for six months or more. The subsidy is worth £1000 and the company can, depending on location, access up to £1500 worth of in-work training.

The recruitment and training subsidy, or 'golden hello', is part of a package of measures announced by the Prime Minister in January, designed to give even more support to people who've been claiming Jobseeker's Allowance for six months.

The other elements of the package include more support for people who want to set up their own business; access to 75,000
new work-focused training opportunities; and the opportunity to do work-focused volunteering.

James Purnell, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said:- "The impact of the global recession is being felt here at home, and finding a job is not easy. We are investing £2bn to help people get back into work as quickly as possible.

Today businesses can take advantage of the new recruitment subsidy, where we will provide up to £2500 as an incentive to take on someone who has been claiming unemployment benefit for six months. This includes a subsidy of £1000 and depending on their location they will also have the opportunity to access up to £1500's worth of in-work training to give that person the right skills for the job.

This is just part of a range of measures coming in today to give people all the support we can - from CV writing and job searching to skills checks and training opportunities - to make sure that where it happens unemployment is short and people can quickly find their way back to supporting themselves and their families."

John Denham, Secretary of State for Skills, said:- "It's very important that people struggling the most to find work will get extra support to improve their skills to help them gain employment.

We know that people whose skills are up to date are more likely to find a good job, and that employers with well trained staff do better than those that don't invest in the skills of their workforce.

That's why we are doing everything we can to boost training opportunities to help people through this tough time and help prepare for the upturn when it comes."

As well as the enhanced offer for jobseekers reaching the six month point, more help available from day one of unemployment also comes on stream today. It includes greater support for job searching, CV writing, help with skills, interview preparation and access to more Local Employment Partnership vacancies.