If Japan is any indication, Skype for iPhone is going live at respective midnights around the globe. The VoIP program is downloadable now in Japan, and should start coming online as each time zone hits 12 a.m. on Tuesday. Early reports say the sound quality is great, and the app itself is absolutely free. Good thing, because nothing’s better than saving a few cell phone minutes here and there when you’re shelling out $30 per month for data. In all seriousness, the app will come in handy for international calls — say goodbye to purchasing SIM cards before a big trip — although PC World says a Wi-Fi connection is required. Blackberry users, don’t fret; your version comes in May. [via Engadget and PC World]

Nokia has plans to add Skype functionality to two of its new smartphones, and carriers in the UK are none too happy about it. The idea is that if customers were able to make VoIP calls on their mobiles rather than traditional voice calls they would, thus driving down the profits the carriers make on voice plans. Currently AT&T allows Skype to be used on Apple’s iPhone here in the US, but it can only be used when the user is on a Wi-Fi connection, not using AT&T’s data services. T-Mobile also offers T-Mobile@Home that allows customers to make VoIP calls through their mobile phones while at home. Calls through that service automatically switch over to a voice plan when the user wanders out of the Wi-Fi area. O2 and Orange has threatened to not carry the Nokia phones unless they remove Skype functionality. What do you think, would having Skype on your phone make you reduce your traditional voice calls? [via Electronista]

Quite frankly, I don’t want to be seen on the phone. The last thing I really need is for the boss to see the empty bottles of Don Julio and ubiquitous red plastic cups stacked behind me when I’m calling in sick. Some people, on the other hand, love to be seen. Assuming they’re Windows users, the latest Skype 4.0  software will be a welcome addition to their telecom collection. The software, already available for download for Windows users, promises to make video calls easier and also allows calls to be viewed full screen–so you better make sure whoever you’re calling has a mug you’d like to chug. Even those with an archaic low-bandwidth connection can get quality video with the help of Skype’s bandwidth manager. Audio is also supposed to be markedly improved courtesy of the new audio engine Silk. [Slippery Brick]

The Asus AiGuru S1 Skype videophone is now available. The phone allows you to make Skype calls without turning on your PC, simply put in your Skype user name and password and start talking. The videophone has a built-in webcam with 7-inch screen and connects to your home wireless network so you can use it wherever you are in your home. [Skype via Coolest-Gadgets]

With the emergence of Skype and VOIP products come some well-suited accessories for the computer, specifically the IPEVO Free-1. The Free-1 has a leg up over most VOIP handsets with the sheer number of buttons and controls that most don’t have. The extra buttons allow the user to control alomst every call-related aspect of SKYPE. In addition to dialing, the handset can scroll through your Skype contact list or recall SKYPE from the Mac dock (or Windows startup bar). Three programmable buttons at the top allow the user to redial, change their Skype status or open a chat window with a contact.  So not only is it a nice looking device, it’s multitude of functionality makes it pretty damn resourceful… [$29.99 at IPEVO]

Long time readers know our obsession with wooden gadgets and gear with veneers.  The Hulger Pappa Phone is our latest obsession, a wooden VOIP phone for skype, google talk and otherwise.  While the price may be a bit higher than your $15 headset from Best Buy, this VOIP phone is best described as “baller”.  We’re certain that the Hulger Pappa Phone is the coolest VOIP phone that money can buy.  Kudos to the good people at Hulger… we’ll get our hands on one of these sooner than later.

Buy: $300

If you detest using a VoIP headset which makes you look like a telephone operator, IPEVO has a nice looking and inexpensive headset for you. The IPEVO ST4RT Universial Headset is a simple plug-and-play solution to offer two way communications with friends over popular messaging services like AOL AIM and Skype. It has a special opening in the mouthpiece to cut down those annoying echos and works with PCs or Macs. Now you can chat the VoIP talk without feeling like a geek.

Buy: $15