Introducing the SkypeKit Beta Program
For nearly seven years, Skype has revolutionized communications through software that offers not only free voice and video calling, but also low-cost calls to phone numbers anywhere in the world. 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.
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 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.
Update: SkypeKit is now available for Windows and Mac.
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.
Questions and answers
Who is SkypeKit for?
For our initial beta release of SkypeKit, it is designed for consumer electronics device manufacturers and desktop software innovators.
Why aren’t web developers able to use SkypeKit now?
We don’t offer an SDK for web developers currently. Given our experience providing desktop software and working with device manufacturers, having an SDK for devices and desktop applications are a natural place for us to start extending Skype capabilities today.
Are you working on a web services version?
We know there is demand among web developers, but we have nothing to announce at this time.
Didn’t Skype have a set of public APIs before, and what’s the difference with SkypeKit?
The long-standing Skype Public API is a solution for accessories such as headsets and webcams that connect to Skype’s standard desktop clients. But for years, developers have been looking for a solution that works WITHOUT a Skype desktop application. Enter SkypeKit. Think of SkypeKit as a "headless" version of Skype – that is, a Skype client with no user interface that runs invisibly, not only on PCs, but also TVs, notebooks, and other connected devices. Developers communicate with SkypeKit through the SkypeKit API, surfacing Skype calls through their own applications.
With the advent of SkypeKit, is Skype no longer supporting its public API?
Skype will continue to support its public API, because there is an active ecosystem of hardware and software developers already using it.
How will Skype ensure that SkypeKit has significant uptake by developers and what improvements are you making to your developer program?
In talking to our developers, we heard loud and clear that they wanted clearer navigation, easier-to-understand documentation, and better support. We believe that our initial version of Skype Developer is a big first step in that direction. Content is segmented into clear areas (SkypeKit, Public API, SILK, etc.), and we’ve spent a lot of time refining the documentation. We’ve heard from SkypeKit beta program developers (who got an early look at Skype Developer) that they see a huge improvement, so we think we’re on the right track. It’s a first step, and we will continue to evolve it with the feedback of developers.
Is SkypeKit a new revenue stream for the company?
SkypeKit supports our existing revenue streams by expanding Skype software onto more devices and platforms. The fees we will charge to use SkypeKit are quite nominal and simply help us manage the program and have more quality control over the third-party products that will tap into our software tool kits.
What are the fees for using SkypeKit?
To get started, we will charge a nominal membership fee — less than $20 US — for access to the program and SkypeKit. Once a third-party product is ready for commercialization, there is an add-on fee for user experience and audio/video testing and certification, which we require to make sure products are ready and qualified for our plugged into Skype descriptor that is awarded to approved products.
What is plugged into Skype?
SkypeKit developers can employ the plugged into Skype descriptor for marketing purposes.
Is SkypeKit ‘open’? What will you restrict?
The topic of openness is often debated and its definition can mean different things to different people. For starters, we believe in an open Internet and open standards. We are adopting an open approach meaning we are releasing APIs and enabling others to use SkypeKit and apply it in new ways. But, SkypeKit won’t be opened up to every single use case that developers dream up. For example, our license terms prohibit using SkypeKit for gambling or adult-themed applications.
Will there be a new Skype app store?
The Skype Shop contains recommended Skype Certified™ accessories and devices that are designed to enhance our users’ calling and video experience. Skype Shop will also be the marketplace destination where plugged into Skype products and applications can be showcased and merchandised to Skype users.
How can I get started?
Starting June 23rd, developers can request an invitation to join the Beta Program.
Does the SkypeKit license allow to use SkypeKit in XMPP transports that allow XMPP users to access the Skype network?
How can I request an invitation to join the Beta Program of SkypeKit? I cannot find registration form or something else…
Will it be available for webOS?
Hi! What about echo cancellation/suppression? Will it be available? Thanks.
i can not sign in for Beta skypekit membership ,anyone can help me?
Does Skypekit allow usage of third-party audio/video codecs?
they have launched this since last year already..i read this somewhere.. was is sype sip open beta? what’s the difference with this and the old one?
I cannot sign in for Beta SkypeKit registration.
Can someone contact me?
Dear readers, the team is glad to see that the community is welcoming this new program.
For those of you who posted a comment, please find below our answers to you
First of:
You can now request an invitation to the SkypeKit Beta: http://blogs.skype.com/devzone/2010/06/skypekit_invitations.html
>>Does Skypekit allow usage of third-party audio/video codecs?
SkypeKit codecs are listed in AV primer, audio is g711, g729 and SILK, video is h264
>>What about echo cancellation/suppression? Will it be available?
Its available in skypekit configurations that include Skype audio library
>>Will it be available for webOS?
As webOS is based on linux kernel, skypekit should work on webOS
>>What about echo cancellation/suppression? Will it be available?
Its available in skypekit configurations that include Skype audio library described in the upcoming audio engines doc
So please sign up and we will get back to you.
The real question is, will this SDK be open source?
or not?
The scientific community has been waiting for some free and easy method so “processes” in the widest sense – say, alarm handlers, or batch systems, anything that runs in an automated fashion – can alert users of special events. The large experiments at the LHC and elsewhere in the world already use skype a lot, and almost 100% of the computing usually runs on Linux, so this is the right platform. This group of applications would not be a commercial package that one can sell. The announcement emphasizes commercialization, and the invite request talks about numbers of downloads. Does this kind of app have a place in the SkypeKit model? This would not work if every little bit would need to be submitted for testing and certification as described above, with assorted fees. No one would care for the “plugged into skype” seal in that setting. So, would we be able to distribute an application free of charge among our users and be able to use it without getting shut off?
Without having much of an understanding of open source vs closed, is this going to be “open enough” that someone could design a program that essentially does the same thing skype does… except with a better UI? Cause, as much as I love the functionality of the application, I HATE THE UI.
Signed up but didn’t get email. Anyway to re-send ?
Same problem. I signed up, but I have yet to receive the e-mail to confirm my e-mail address.
The same May be we’ll be informed not to confirm e-mail, but to join the program at once?
Hi! My company edits a web-based virtual classroom. Using the Skype API would be a terrific opportunity, because audio and video quality are critical to us. I understand that the API will not work for web development. Do you know if there is a way to go around this by developing a plugin that our users would download?
did anyone get invitation or try sk kit yet?
Just a question about the previous system – How can a developer change its available Extra information on Skype Extras page and make it appear in Skype Shop? Thanks.
i have applied for the beta program. How long before i can find out when I will be able to receive a response. Trying to layout a developer schedule for products and have no idea if or when
We got the skypekit sdk,but if when we try tutorial samples,skype will be logoff just after login
LogoutReason->APP_ID_BLACKLISTED.
What will cause the above reason of logout?
Is the app token invalid?
SkypeKIT (SDK), is it cross platform?
Questions:
A. Is this SDK able to Tune with QT or C/C++ for mobile devices like (iphone,nokia)?
B. Is this SDK able to use in AIX/Solaris/FreeBSD Unix platform?
Dear Sir,
I signed up too, but never received any confirmation on email. I also can’t find it in my junk email bin
Besides, if I signed up again, it informs my email account and skype name “has already been registered”.
What can I do now? Could you give any suggestion to me?
Thank you.
Ihave signed for invitation to the skypekit but did not receive email for confirmation
What should i do?
Come on already with the invites – it’s not rocket science unlike the work you are holding up…
I finish the sign-in and been told have to wait for an confirm letter.
But I did not receieve any mail about the Skypekit Beta, Please help …..
Does SkypeIt provide Microsoft .NET library? Can I develop on .NET 3.5/4.0 and C#? Thank you.
So its been a many months since I signed up to get invited to the beta. Since then I have heard nothing back. Is this program dead? Is there a schedule for a formal release? My company would like to develop software around skype, but if we can’t even get into the beta program, it doesn’t leave us enough time to make a competitive offering if we have to wait for some unknown date for skype to release.
Does Skype plan to roll SkypeKit out beyond its current Beta participants before 2011? Today marks four months since your first release, which is quite a long time for people (such as me) with Skype-oriented hardware/software to be sat on a waiting list!
Have Skype stopped development for the Skype Public API ? I have a requirement to send a video call full screen on a second monitor via my simple vb.net app.
Am i going to have to wait for, pay for and write something more substantial using SkypeKit, or will the SkypeKit API’s still work along side the Skype Desktop Application.
How long will it take to get access to the API? I signed up and already got a confirmation mail that I’m on the waiting list.. but how long would it take from there then? Would love to get started with it… Thanks.
Hello there,
I received an invitation however when I click the link it tells me that the activation is invalid. Can anyone help with this? My invitation was sent on the 12 of Dec/2010 and was missed as it went straight into the trash bin as it has for many others here.
I have since tried to request another beta invite and of course it states that I have already registered.
Hi. We have signed up to get invitation to the beta program and also recived a confirmation on that. Since then we have heard nothing!. Its over 6 months now. My company would like to develop software around skype, but if we can’t even get into the beta program, and the release date of SkypeKit is unknown, its hard to plan anything. Does Skype has any new information to this blog? Is SkypeKit comming in Q1, Q2, Q3 or Q4 of 2011?
Hi, I need to integrate the video chat in my iPhone app. Whether Skype provide the API to achieve this?
It’s now over nine months since private launch – is there any update on when the SkypeKit Beta invitation will get rolled out to any more hardware device developers? A little information would be much appreciated.