Skype intros speed dial

VOIP) giant Skype has tweaked its 'Skype to Go' service to allow direct-dialled calls from any landline phone, reports PC Mag.

The Skype to Go service was introduced in 2007, and allows users to call another Skype user over a landline or mobile phone, without the need for an Internet connection to facilitate the VOIP call.

Users can now call pre-saved numbers. Before, callers would have to ring into a voice menu that would give them a list of numbers they can call.

According to Tech 2, the service lets the user assign up to nine speed dial contacts.

Skype is expanding its hotspots to over 500 000 and has sealed a deal with AT&T to improve video calls, says Product Reviews.

Complex.com indicates the revamped service makes it easer and cheaper for users to call international numbers. Skype to Go must be paid for through subscription or via Skype Credit.

Electronista says these numbers can be saved to a user's handset or favourites but does have an added associated connection fee of 3.9c per call.