D-Link today introduced the D-Link Skype USB phone adapter that allows consumers to use their existing corded or cordless telephone to take advantage of Skype's free calling features. The D-Link Skype USB phone adapter (DPH-50U) lets users accept both regular telephone and Skype calls from the same phone for added flexibility. When consumers are talking on a traditional telephone line and receive an incoming Skype call, they can easily switch lines to take the Skype call or vice versa, just like a typical call-waiting feature.

Conference calls can also be connected between ordinary telephone lines and Skype. For added convenience, the D-Link Skype USB phone adapter includes a lighted display to indicate whether an incoming call is from a traditional telephone or from a Skype user.

"At D-Link, we know that the digital home is all about integration and ease-of-use," said Keith Karlsen, executive vice president, D-Link. "By extending Skype to be accessible through traditional phones, we can make the benefits of Skype even easier to experience."

Using a cordless phone unties the user from their computer while making Skype calls. Additionally, using the traditional telephone enables consumers to use their telephone's built-in features such as speed dial, redial, mute and caller ID.

"Our mission is to make Skype easy and fun to use for consumers everywhere," said James Bilefield, vice president of business development for Skype. "The D-Link Skype USB phone adapter makes Skyping even more convenient, providing flexibility to our users who want to take advantage of our free services and connect to Skype via their traditional telephone."

The D-Link Skype USB adapter enables users to:

• Use a traditional or existing phone to make Skype calls
• Receive or make both traditional telephone and Skype calls from the same phone
• Use an existing traditional phone rather than a headset
• Use a cordless phone and talk freely throughout the house
• Use convenient built in features, including call waiting, conference calling and call forwarding
• Take advantage of Skype's free international calling and talk to other Skype users anywhere in the world for free

The D-Link Skype USB phone adapter is PC compatible, and includes two RJ-11 ports and a USB port to conveniently connect an ordinary phone line, telephone and computer. Since the adapter receives power from the computer through the USB cable, it does not require an additional power supply. The included software installs in minutes and allows users to easily and completely manage their Skype contact list and calling features. The D-Link Skype USB phone adapter can be configured to forward incoming Skype calls to another destination such as a cell phone so that users never miss a call while away from their PC.

The D-Link Skype USB phone adapter (DPH-50) will be available globally at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $69.99.