Netgear today unveiled a new Skype handset that is the first to allow users to place phone calls without the use of a computer (more details here).

As usual Skype chief executive Niklas Zennström didn't make it to the event. As the former CEO for the Kazaa file sharing venture, the story goes that he still fears that the RIAA will have him arrested if he puts as much as a toe on US soil. Not taking any changes, he always calls in.

It also makes for a nice way to demonstrate the Skype VoIP service, as it did this time. But Zennstrom demonstrated more than just the Skype technology. He also showed that Skype shouldn't be used for conference calls at events. He could barely be heard because the volume was either too low or because he was interrupted by interference.

Netgear CEO Patrick Lo holds up his new Skype handset before making an inaudible phonecall with Zennstrom.

Tags: Skype, netgear, Zennström, voip