Skype Limited announced today on its Developer Zone blog the availability of its new software development kit [SDK] properly named “SkypeKit.” The company states that the SDK will be initially made available in beta by invitation only to consumer electronics companies and desktop app developers. A Linux OS-based SkypeKit will be made available as soon as tomorrow. SkypeKit for Windows and Mac will be subsequently released in the coming weeks.
Skype General Manager of Platform Business Unit Jonathan Christensen explains that the new SkypeKit is “a robust set of APIs for a variety of popular Skype features, including voice and video calling and instant messaging.” He goes on to state that the SDK will also include the Skype signature SILK audio codec.
The company states that the new SkypeKit is different from its original set of public APIs, which was used mostly for accessories such as headsets or webcams. The company clarifies that the existing public APIs will still be supported.
Official Words:
SkypeKit will initially be available as a 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.
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.
Providing these assets to a broad range of platforms, operating systems, and audio/video interfaces is not a trivial challenge, but we are excited about the opportunity ahead and look forward to the many new innovations that will extend the benefits of Skype. So hopefully, our announcement of SkypeKit will encourage you to imagine new possibilities and get coding!
If you are interested, please check out the Skype Developer site, and feel free to sign up for the SkypeKit Beta membership. Although please keep in mind, we will activate registrations on an invitation only basis during our beta period.
