3 UK has unveiled the next-generation Skypephone handset, the 3 Skypephone S2. The new device gives users access to Facebook, Google and Windows Live Messenger and enables free Skype calls and instant messaging.
It will be available to pre-order from 19 August, available to purchase online from 27 August and at shops from 1 September.
The 3 Skypephone S2 has what 3 describes as a revolutionary 'carousel' interface, with button on the side of the handset to move between applications quickly. It has an improved 2.2 inch QVGA screen, 3.2-megapixel camera, HSDPA functionality and memory that is expandable to 4Gb.
Apparently the new device can be used as a mobile broadband dongle through its built-in modem drivers. It allows users to track up to 30 RSS feeds at once and is offered for GBP 69.99 on Pay As You Go and for free on any Mix & Match contract.
3 is understood to have sold well over 100,000 Skypephones and says more than a million minutes of Skype usage pass across the 3 network every day.