Nokia’s N800 Internet Tablet is now capable of making free Wi-Fi calls wherever it detects a Wi-Fi connection, thanks to a partnership between the Finnish telecom giant and Skype representatives.

"Skype is the recognized leader in internet calling, with more than 196 million registered users worldwide. The Nokia N800 gives people easy access to the Internet and it's a natural step that they will want to make Skype calls away from their desktop." said Ari Virtanen, Vice President, Convergence Products, Nokia. "Consumers can now start enjoying the benefits of Skype on the Nokia N800 and experience a free and easy way to stay in touch with friends, family and business colleagues around the world."

Skype is now integrated in all N800 Tablets shipped to retailers or to Skype’s online store, but existing users will also be able to download the application to their handhelds.

Every N800 owner who “spots” a Wi-Fi spot will be able to make free calls between the portable device and computers worldwide, or cheap calls between the device and fixed or mobile phones.

"Skype for the Nokia N800 is another important step in our mobility strategy," said Eric Lagier, Skype's head of business development for Mobile. "Our users are no longer just using Skype on their computer desktops. With the growth of mobile devices and WiFi, consumers expect to be connected wherever they are, at the office, at home or on the move. Making Skype available on such an innovative, portable device, lets us bring internet conversations to the mobile masses."

Support for Skype for the Nokia N800 is available with the feature upgrade release to the latest OS 2007 edition. The feature upgrade also introduces Adobe Flash 9 browser plug-in taking a step forward in web compatibility, support for largercapacity memory cards and considerably enhanced online use-times among other improvements. The OS upgrade is immediately installable from www.nokia.com/N800.

Skype’s popularity decreased in the recent period, but it is still being used regularly by more than 196 million users worldwide.