Look Out, Developers. Here Comes the SkypeKit!

Today, Skype released "SkypeKit," an open software development kit that will help developers integrate Skype (News - Alert) calls, instant messaging, video chat and more into consumer electronics and computers. It initially will be available in beta on an invitation-only basis.

 

SkypeKit for consumer electronic device makers will be available tomorrow, June 23, based on the Linux OS. For desktop software developers, SkypeKit will be available for Windows and Mac in the next few weeks.

 

"Now, we are taking Skype into new directions by empowering consumer electronic and desktop software innovators to embed Skype into their products through the availability of our new software development kit (SDK) called SkypeKit," said Jonathan Christensen, GM of Skype's Platform team, in a blog posting on Skype's website. "We believe that every connected device can become a communications device, with the addition of SkypeKit. Likewise, desktop applications everywhere can now include Skype."

 

SkypeKit will not only include a robust set of APIs for a variety of popular Skype features, including voice and video calling and instant messaging, it will also deliver Skype's signature super wideband audio, based on the SILK codec.

 

In addition, developers who use SkypeKit will be able to describe them as plugged into Skype. Interested parties may check out the Skype Developer site to sign up for the SkypeKit Beta membership.