Creative Labs Touts Internet Phone That Doesn't Require A PC

Skype users will soon be able to make VoIP calls without the necessity of a PC, according to Creative Labs Inc., which has developed an Internet phone that connects directly to a router.

Announced this week at CES, the Skype Internet PhonePLUS functions as a traditional telephone. The Creative phone connects to any broadband router via an Ethernet cable. Five-way navigation buttons and a color 2.5-inch display facilitate the use of the Skype interface.

The phone is likely to see service in situations when a user's PC is not attached to a router or when a user doesn't care to boot up a computer.

Creative said existing Skype users can configure settings on the Skype Internet PhonePLUS for immediate recognition by the Skype application. New Skype users can download Skype software from the Skype site on the Internet.

Creative said the phone will be available in the spring.