3 has been working on an updated Skype phone for some time and the new model will be known as the S2. Although early reports for some reason suggested that the new handset wouldn't have 3G connectivity, it seems like they were way off target, as in fact, the S2 will be rocking HSDPA.

The S2 will even come with built-in modem drivers so you can use it as a HSDPA data modem for your laptop, be it a PC or a Mac, which is pretty neat. Other features include a 2.2in 320x240 resolution display, a 3.2Megapixel camera and 50MB of built in memory which can be expanded via a microSDHC card slot. The S2 will only be available in black at launch, unlike its predecessor which is available in a choice of colors.

The S2 will measure 103x45x14mm (HxWxD) and comes with an 1,150mAh battery, although there's no word on how much it'll weigh at this moment. It's expected to retail for £69.99 in the UK on a pre-paid basis and we would expect it to be free of contract. The launch date is set to be August the 18th.