The Unexpected iPhone - How it Works
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I wasn't able to get my hands on an iPhone for this article. But the way it's supposed to work is fairly simple, in that it disconnects you from your computer for making VoIP phone calls. You simply go to the nearest Wi-Fi hot spot and let the iPhone's embedded Skype software do the rest of the work. Of course, if you have a home network, the iPhone works with that as well. And the best part? As with the regular Skype plan, phone calls are free.
The iPhone itself is not, of course. So what do you get for the money? Quite a bit, surprisingly enough. For example, any phone can connect you, but how many can tell you in advance whether the person you're trying to contact is available to take your call? Since Skype and Yahoo! Messenger with Voice are part of the package, that's one of the benefits of using an iPhone. Linksys also says in its press release that users can toggle between the calling options available from Skype or Yahoo! and traditional landline service, so flexibility is also built right in.
Adding Yahoo! into the mix lets users access other Yahoo! services as well. For example, if you program the phone with your local zip code, you can use it to look up information on local businesses, finding a phone number and placing a call to the business with the same device. Imagine combining a phone with a huge phone book. You could also use the phone to check the local weather forecast. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any mention on Linksys' web site as to whether there was a fee for using any of Yahoo's services.
The fact that the iPhone is connected to the Internet means that you can easily access music, photos, and streaming video. That's not all you can do with these products. At least one iPhone includes a video camera, and Linksys says you can set it up to monitor your home or business over the Internet in real time.
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