Skypephone

Last year saw the European launch of the world’s first mobile phone with integrated Skype, the Voice over IP software traditionally used via computer. This year, the phone arrives in the United States. Like most mass-produced items, mobile phones are usually made in China, and while the Skypephone is no exception, with hardware made and assembled at the Shanghai facilities of AMOI, its parts are sourced from all over the world. The Qualcomm chipset comes from San Diego, the software from iSkoot in Israel. The design was directed by Hutchison Whampoa Limited, the Hong Kong–based company that initiated the project. Dwell recently sat down with Ken Johnstone, director of products at HWL, to discuss the production process.