Asus has launched a videophone, but not just any videophone - this one's claimed to be the world’s first Skype-certified standalone videophone.

Asus' AiGuru SV1: PC-free Skype video calls

The AiGuru SV1 sports a 7in, 800 x 480 display and integrated 0.3-megapixel webcam, in addition to the obligatory built-in speaker and microphone. Crucially, there’s no need to plug the miniature monitor into your PC because it connects directly to your broadband link over 802.11b/g Wi-Fi.

Asus said the SV1 is designed to take the complexity out of web-based calls and so has an icon-based user interface and, supposedly, intuitive button layout.

Users can make and receive Skype-to-Skype video and voice calls, or use it for video conferences. The talker's also set-up for making and receiving calls to and from fixed lines and mobiles.

The devices is primarily mains powered, but it is portable, Asus said, though it’s worth noting that battery life talk time is a paltry 20 minutes.

The Asus AiGuru SV1 will be available across Europe and the US in October, priced at £200/€250/$300.