SkypeKit beta SDK adds Skype to any application or device
By Nilay Patel 
posted June 22nd 2010 10:55AM
posted June 22nd 2010 10:55AM
Get ready for the second major wave of video chatting -- not only is Apple about to bring video calling to the masses with the iPhone 4, but Skype today announced the SkypeKit beta SDK, which devs can use the SDK to interface their apps and devices directly with Skype's service starting tomorrow. That means there's no need to run the Skype desktop app -- it'll just be integrated into whatever you're running, like the recent Panasonic VIERA connected TVs with Skype integration. Once they've passed a UI certification, devices and apps will be billed as "plugged into Skype," but don't expect to see anything happen too quickly: the SDK is Linux-only at the moment, with Windows and Mac desktop versions forthcoming, and Skype will be testing apps and devices before they go live.The new SDK can use H.264 hardware encoding to supplement the relatively slow ARM chips that will be running Linux in an embedded manner -- like the Panasonic TV, for instance, which was developed using an early version of SkypeKit. We asked Skype about its SDK membership (which costs $20), and the other slight restrictions of the SDK, and they assured us it's to keep fraud from happening (Skype interacts with your wallet in its paid services), "not to keep out people we don't like." There will also be a verification process for an as-yet-undefined cost, where Skype will go over any software or hardware released with the SDK. Additionally, Skype is open sourcing its Silk audio codec (which was recently added to its iPhone app), and they're working with the IETF to make it an open, patent-free standard for use with anything, not just Skype. Check out the Litle Webbook running some custom Skype on video after the break. It's in early beta right now, and will be pushed as an update in September, along with video functionality (it's audio-only right now). We also have shots of the Grandstream GXV3140 making a Skype video call in the gallery below.
i can see facetime being mocked in the future
@IAMKITTY
Does this mean that skype will have video for iPhone 4? All we need is a jailbreak and we are golden to call on 3G... (f***ing AT&T...)
"not only is Apple about to bring video calling to the masses with the iPhone 4." SMH
@scorpeo +1
@scorpeo @scorpeo
+1
When I read that I thought "what about the EVO?"
@noco37
• ( masses) informal a large quantity or amount of something : we get masses of homework.
@t2af
Keep the definition in context.
(n) multitude, masses, mass, hoi polloi, people, the great unwashed (the common people generally)
http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=masses
@Btbessey the question is, is skype even "allowed" to bring video calling to the iPhone? Doesn't that "duplicate functionality" and would be disallowed by Apple? I'm not sure, but with the draconian rules of the app store there's never really an explanation... much the same way the US was disallowed a goal against Slovenia and there was no explanation...
in case you were wondering, yes, i'm saying that Apple = Ref Koman
@IAMKITTY
Good thing Nilay said "masses" and not "the world" as the apple developer said. However Facetime will be in the future, Apple will make a big buck out if it(along with Skype).
FINALLY, I don't have to run two instant messaging clients!
Skype on the XMB!! ohh wait... nm...
@DeFlanko
Why not put skype on the ps3, its already been available for PSP for over 2 years.
@IAMKITTY
I was making a Linux joke...
Does that mean that we'll finally be able to do something useful with Skype on a smartphone in some time? (Read here Linux based OS for the moment)
If so, I am all for it. Otherwise, well, w/e...
Skype for webOS (thats not a shitty webapp (ohey IM+ Talk)
one can dream?
Approval process? Really?
Screw it, I'll just use the phone instead.
Skype on Android..... when?
@Plazmic Flame Can't wait... Will it use the data plan though? It's already available for Verizon clients, but I heard it still uses your cellphone minutes... Need to verify though.
@Plazmic Flame, via Fring Skype video chat works on the HTC EVO, you're able to Skype mobile to mobile, computer to mobile as well as mobile to computer.
So what does this mean for fring->skype users? Do we get a better app? Do we get a bunch of new apps? All of the app?
Or is there not enough linux in android for this to apply to the OS?
Chatroulette on every platform?
Another win for Android. yeah! :)
Wow, this is actually a REALLY huge deal.
@Hexydes better if skype just used the SIP standard. this kit is just an obfuscation from their real closed source crimes.
@cashclientel http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/business/sip/overview/
Stop complaining that Skype's being criminal because it's closed source. Be glad they're supporting Linux at all. It's a fantastic product.
This change makes a great deal of sense for Linux users, since their standard instant messenger clients are all multi-protocol and will likely have plug-ins developed to get Skype access directly. Also means less effort for Skype to develop a client on Linux.
Skype to skype communication between iphone, pc,ps3 and xbox 360 would be interesting if implemented.
This is all well and good. But how about releasing an update to the iPhone client that supports iOS4 multitasking?
How's 'bout Skype on WM6.5!
i want skype for my ps3!!!!!!!!!!!
I can't believe there anren't more comments for this. This is HUGE. Skype for Android with video calling PLX NA0
This could actually be the reason for me to try android again. I depend heavily on skype.
that's awesome, so now anyone can add horribly distorted communication, if you can connect at all to anything? I'll get right on that.
In the android world verizon hijacked Skype. Leaving non Verizon subscribers with fringe. Just waiting for gizmo5. How long? Google?