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Skype video coming to Vita today

Alexander Sliwinski
News Content Director
Updated ·4 min read
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Skype, one of the few things on the internet that even sweet ol' grannies know how to use, will be available later today for the PlayStation Vita. Skype video calling will be enabled on the device for both the WiFi and 3G models as soon as the PlayStation Store updates, sometime during the sun's descent toward the horizon.

Skype will run in "background mode" on the Vita, allowing users to pause a game, answer a call and then go back to touching Little Deviants once the call is over. Skype on Vita also supports both the front and rear camera on the device, with the ability to switch back and forth during a call. Let your imagination roam as to the possibilities.

Now we will menacingly stare at our microwave and interrogate it on why it seems be one of the few useful devices left without Skype support.

Update: Clarified that Skype and a game can't be active at the same time. It's one or the other.%Gallery-153945%

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Skype Brings Video Calling to PlayStation®Vita
Skype, Now Available for Download via PlayStation®Store, Marks the First Time Video Calling Has Been Available on PlayStation®
Palo Alto, CA – April 24, 2012 –Skype announced today that Skype video calling is now available on PlayStation®Vita (PS Vita), expanding Skype video calling capabilities to a portable gaming device for the first time. PS Vita, which launched in early 2012 from Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC (SCEA), will offer video calling capabilities and voice calling on both the Wi-Fi and 3G/Wi-Fi models. PS Vita users can download the application for free from PlayStation®Store later today*.
"Our users appreciate being able to access Skype features wherever and whenever they choose," said Manrique Brenes, senior director, consumer electronics group at Skype. "With the launch of Skype for PS Vita, we are taking another step towards our ultimate goal of making Skype video calling available on every platform, all over the world, and meeting the demands of existing PlayStation users to offer video on a gaming console."
Skype on PS Vita runs in "background mode" for users while gaming or using other applications** and users have the capability to "pause" a game, conduct a call and then return to their previous activity. Additionally, PS Vita features both front and rear facing cameras, which allows users to switch back and forth between the two during a Skype call. This is a great benefit of never missing a call even when playing a game or using another app.
PS Vita is available for $249.99 (MSRP) for Wi-Fi and $299.99 (MSRP) for 3G/Wi-Fi models. The device is also equipped with a 5" OLED touch screen, dual analog sticks, front touchscreen and rear touch pad, two cameras and a built in microphone.
Twelve time world champion Fatal1ty was one of the first users to test-drive the application.
"As a gaming enthusiast, I am always in search for a next big thing," said Fatal1ty. "When I heard Skype was going to be featured on PS Vita, my first thought was this was going to be the device that sets the bar for all new gaming consoles-connecting with family and friends while playing your favorite game."
For more information on Skype for PS Vita, please visit www.skype.com/go/ps-vita or http://us.playstation.com/psvita/.
About Skype:
Skype is communications software whose purpose is to break down barriers to communication. With an Internet-connected device, families, friends and colleagues can get together for free with messaging, voice and video. At low cost, they can also call landlines or mobiles virtually anywhere in the world.

Skype has recently introduced group video, allowing groups of more than two people to do things together whenever they're apart.
Founded in 2003 and based in Luxembourg, Skype is a division of Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT). Skype can be downloaded onto computers, mobile phones and other connected devices for free at www.skype.com.
About Sony Computer Entertainment America
Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® and PS one® game console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the PSPTM (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system, the ground-breaking PlayStation®3 (PS3TM) computer entertainment system and its online and network services the PlayStation®Network and PlayStation®Store. Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC markets the PlayStation® family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one, PlayStation®2, PSPTM and PS3TM systems for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif., Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC serves as headquarters for all North American operations.
*It may take up to 48 hours for the app to propagate in all local PlayStation®Stores.
**Certain games will shut off network connectivity during use, which will stop incoming Skype calls. Certain applications will not be able to "pause" during a call."
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