A USB phone looks like a traditional telephone, but it has a USB connector instead of an RJ-11. It may be used with most softphones and services like Skype, Sipnet, Sippoint Mini, Net2Phone, MSN Messenger, NetMeeting, Xlite, Skype for Business.

A USB phone
USB phone

In 2005 XS4ALL Internet BV (the first public internet provider in the Netherlands) supplied all of its DSL users with a USB VOIP Phone, it the idea of Donar Alofs and built by Philips. It came with a browser plugin and people could make and receive calls via this USB Phone via an internet website (webphone.xs4all.nl). Later on, people got DSL modems with RJ-11 VoIP ports and RJ-45 ISDN ports, later the DSL modem/routers were also built-in DECT[clarification needed] for making calls with traditional phones.

The first USB phone in the world

In 2009, Polycom introduced the CX300 USB phone, optimized for Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 R2.[1] In its second release (CX300 R2), this USB phone operates as a plug-and-play device with Skype for Business, Microsoft Lync 2013, and Microsoft Lync 2010. A user can communicate using the handset, plug in a headset (RJ9 plug in rear), or use it as a speakerphone when the handset is left on-hook. It is also supported with Skype for Business online which makes it a possible endpoint to use with Office 365 Cloud PBX when connected to a PC running the Skype for Business client.

References

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  1. ^ "Polycom Expands Desktop Phone Portfolio With the Introduction of the Polycom SoundPoint IP 335 and the Polycom CX300". Market Wired. Polycom, Inc.