8x8 (News - Alert), Inc., provider of Packet8 VoIP and videophone communication services, announced the release of a free firmware upgrade for the Packet8 Tango Video Terminal Adapter (VTA). This upgrade enables the device to function as both a videophone and digital photo frame.

Packet8 Tango is now able to display up to 16 high resolution digital images on its built-in 5” LCD screen when the device is not in use for videoconferencing. To employ this feature, users simply connect their Tango to a computer using an Ethernet cable, enter the IP address for the device into a Web browser and upload desired images in JPEG format. The images can be programmed to scroll at pre-set intervals when the Tango is in screen saver mode.

"Now, for substantially less than the cost of most dedicated digital photo frames, consumers can purchase a device that enables high quality two or three-way videoconferencing, low cost worldwide internet phone service and digital photo display," said 8x8 Director of Product Marketing Karen Hong, in a Tuesday statement.

Hong continued: "Priced at just $99 after mail-in rebate, the Packet8 Tango is an amazing value that makes it easy and affordable for the average consumer to benefit from the features and cost saving of advanced VoIP and videophone technology."

Beyond the digital photo frame application, the new Tango firmware also allows users to import contact information from Microsoft (News - Alert) Outlook or any other CSV file format to facilitate speed dialing and phonebook management.

A one-of-a-kind broadband phone adapter, the Packet8 Tango VTA turns any regular analog phone into a state-of-the-art, full motion videophone. This portable device incorporates a built-in, high resolution 5” LCD color display and 180 degree rotating CCD camera to deliver advanced full-motion video at up to 30 frames per second along with crisp, delay-free audio.

The Packet8 Tango is also fully SIP compliant and interoperates with 8x8’s previous generation videophone, Packet8 DV326 as well as its video soft phone, Packet8 Softtalk.

The Packet8 Tango is currently available for $99.99 after $100 mail-in rebate or at CompUSA retail outlets nationwide. The monthly phone service plan costs $24.99 per month and includes unlimited local and long distance voice calling to any phone in the U.S., Canada and eight additional countries, unlimited worldwide in-network voice and video calling to other Packet8 subscribers and all Packet8 advanced residential calling features.

As consumers become increasingly mobile, the demand for solutions that give them all the functionality that they have in the office will continue to grow. As a result, the opportunity in the market for solutions such as the Packet8 Tango are significant as the device addresses key challenges that mobile users face when accessing files and/or conducting video conferencing calls. With this free firmware upgrade, 8x8 is extending the value of its reach and strengthening its positioning in the market.