Skype coming to Playstation Vita

[garyopa]

Skype will expands our PS Vita capabilites



Skype will be available later today to download for your Playstation Vita.

Skype will be available later today for Playstation Vita.

Skype video calling will be available for the two PS Vita models, Wifi and 3G models.

Skype will run in "background mode" on your system, and users are allowed to pause a game, answer a call and then go back to the game.

The Skype app also supports the usage of both the front and rear cameras of your PS Vita.

Sony warns us that Skype can't run while you're playing some games that disable your network connection during play.

The full PR below:

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®

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 http://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.

NEWS SOURCE: http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/sk...to-vita-today/

Our thanks to 'Robe24' for this news story!

[wrathchild]

It's about time. I'm even willing to risk losing my vhbl for this.

Update: ok. Downloaded, installed, created account, paid for monthly subscription ($2.99) for unlimited calls to US and Canada

I can't try it on 3g at the moment because my subscription expired on the 22nd but wifi worked perfectly. Using the vita headphones gave me outstanding audio quality and I was told I sounded just as good. Can't try the face to face calling either because I don't know anyone with a web cam. My question regarding the 3g though, how does at&t charge for using this app? If I have to 250mb per month limit how do you break down talk time in megabytes?

[Nocuddle]

I used skype once long ago, so i thought using skype is free, no?

Edit: DOH!
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.

Aaah, didnt know it can connect to landline now. wicked.

[JonathanD]

I used skype once long ago, so i thought using skype is free, no?

Edit: DOH!
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.

Aaah, didnt know it can connect to landline now. wicked.

I use Google Voice thing on my computer, they even give me a free phone number so I can call and receive phone calls. I get voice mail caller ID the works all for free.

The only thing I have seen any sort of charge for is international calling, although I never use that so I am not sure if its just for out going phone calls or if they charge for in coming international phone calls as well.