D-Link Announces Dual Mode, Wi-Fi Phone

D-Link has announced a new line of ‘V-CLICK’ dual-mode phones that allow users to switch between cellular and Wi-Fi networks with the click of a button.

By sliding a cellular service provider’s SIM Smartcard or chip into the V-CLICK phone, the user automatically gains GSM access. Stored phone numbers and address books are also automatically taken into the phone via the SIM Smartcard or chip.

Measuring in at 4.17x1.73x.75 inches, featuring a two-inch 176x220 pixel color screen and 24 MB storage, the V-CLICK phones support Opera Mobile, a mobile browser for logging into Wi-Fi hot spots, web surfing and email functionality.

In addition to operating like regular cell phones that communicate within a nationwide wireless network, D-Link V-CLICK phones can switch to the 802.11 wireless mode and connect to lower-cost Internet telephone services.

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“D-Link’s involvement in dual-mode technology is the next step to evolving wireless phone communication,” said Steven Joe, president and CEO of D-Link Systems, Inc. “Similar to our popular flip-style Wi-Fi phone, the V-CLICK phones are open and unlocked.

“We view the V-CLICK phone model as the ideal way for us to meet the ever-increasing demand from both consumers and business for a mobile device that allows for easy transition from wide-reaching cellular services to the much faster Wi-Fi and more affordable VoIP technologies,” Joe added. “The market for dual-mode phones looks very promising, and the more than 10 years we’ve had in researching and developing 802.11 wireless and VoIP technologies make this a natural extension of our product offerings.”

For regular cell phone coverage, the D-Link V-CLICK phones will be ‘unlocked’, allowing users to use their existing SIMs and pre-paid SIMs from traditional GSM cellular service providers anywhere in the world. Users can also activate a configurable wireless and SIP profile. Multiple profiles are available that make usage between home and office automatic.

D-Link V-CLICK phones will be a “pay-as-you-go” device, allowing users to purchase call time from service providers that will load up the phone’s SIM card.

The phones will ship during the first quarter of 2007 and will feature tri-band GSM (900/1800/1900 Mhz) and 802.11 Wi-Fi (2.4Ghz) access. The phones will be avilable through the company’s network of resellers, solution providers and distributors, and online at www.dlinkshop.com. Manufacturer’s suggested retail price is expected to be $599.99.

D-Link also plans to offer accessories for its new dual-mode phone products.