http://www.wengo.com/RTX America, a world leader in wireless product development, announced a free USB DUALphone firmware update. The USB DUALphone can now check Skype voicemail, receive incoming chat alerts and perform other Skype functions, all from the DUALphone's sleek, cordless handset. The update adds to a long list of existing features, such as wideband audio and Skype online presence.

The RTX USB DUALphone is a Skype Certified hybrid phone that allows consumers to combine the benefits of traditional phone lines with the advanced Skype Internet calling capabilities using a single cordless phone. When placing a call, consumers dial as usual then press the PC button to dial using Skype or the telephone button to use traditional phone lines. In addition, the USB DUALphone's cordless handset gives an audible "beep" when a Skype contact's online status changes, and allows users to play and delete Skype voice messages all without having to be near a computer.

"This RTX DUALphone upgrade shows how Skype is moving beyond the PC and integrating into the lives of consumers," said James Bilefiled, Skype Europe general manager. "Skype works with partners like RTX to provide our customers with as many device options as possible, making Skype a convenient mobile offering."

The USB DUALphone recently won Tom's Hardware's Readers' Choice Award 2005 for "Best VoIP Product" category and is the only Skype Certified cordless phone that offers wideband audio, the ability to toggle between Skype calls, Skype chat notification and accessibility to Skype features such as voicemail and online status, without being in front of a computer.

"This update further eliminates the need to sit in front of a PC to benefit from Skype," said Chris Tubis, CEO of RTX America. "At RTX we developed the USB DUALphone to be the best option for people who want to have convenient access to the advanced capabilities of Skype without having to change their regular phone line and calling habits."

The included DUALphone charging station simultaneously connects to a traditional telephone socket and to a PC via USB. The DUALphone fully supports Skype to Skype, Skype to landline, landline to Skype and landline to landline calls.

RTX USB DUALphone Features:

• Support for Skype voicemail (new)
• Skype chat notification (new)
• Support for Skype call waiting (new)
• Ability to toggle between Skype calls (new)
• Selection of which online-status to display in handset (new)
• Skype/landline hybrid phone functionality
• Wideband audio for superior sound quality
• Skype certification
• Skype contact list and online status displayed on handset
• DECT 6.0 cordless technology (WiFi-friendly)
• Rechargeable and replaceable battery
• Backlit LCD display
• Standard headset connecter
• Multiple handset capacity
• Upgradeable firmware
• Range: Indoor 150 feet/Outdoor 1000 feet
• Distinctive ring indicating landline or Skype calls

Pricing and Availability:

The RTX USB DUALphone update is available as a free download on the Web at http://dualphone.net. The RTX USB DUALphone is available online at http://www.dualphone-us.com, the Skype Store at http://www.skype.com/storeskype.com/store and at select retail outlets. Suggested retail price for the DUALphone is US$139.99.