Skype Releases Software Development Kit

Jun 23, 2010

SkypeKit gives Linux developers access to core functionality, SILK codec.

Online voice and video suite Skype has released an SDK bringing a “headless” version of the application to desktop applications.

The SkypeKit SDK features full voice and video calling support as well as APIs for instant messaging. The SDK also includes the SILK codec for audio – royalty-free. The SkypeKit SDK supports desktop application creation, but functionality can't be woven into Web applications, as Skype requires a separate runtime.

SkypeKit doesn't support mobile operating systems at the moment, but given that there are official and third party apps for iOS and Android, it seems like a natural step for the SDK to take.

Skypekit is based on Linux with Windows and Mac versions coming in a few weeks. Currently the SDK is available in an invite-only beta.

Related content

  • Skype Plugin for Asterisk

    Digium, makers of Asterisk telephony solutions, and VoIP provider Skype have announced a one-year development period for a Skype plugin to the free telephony service.

    more »
  • VoIP Clients

    Looking for a softphone? We compare five Linux-ready VoIP clients.

    more »
  • Skype 2.0 Brings Video Calls to Linux

    Skype, the free VoIP software, has left beta status and advanced to stable Version 2.0.

    more »
  • Skype for Linux

    The old Microsoft gave the cold shoulder to Skype for Linux, neither updating it nor equipping it with new features. The new Microsoft promises to do better, with a brand new alpha prerelease version of a Linux client for the famous telephony tool.

    more »
  • Update to Skype for Linux

    An update for the proprietary Skype VoIP client resolves video image display issues among other problems.

    more »

Comments

  • Open?

    In what way is this "open"?

    Invite only = not open
    No source code = not open
    No commercial use = not open
    Patent license needed to use SILK = not open
    Pay money to download SDK = not open
    License prevents use in gambling/porn = not open

  • alsooo

    would be fun to be able to do call center / google voice style routing

  • Skype supported by other IM clients (Empathy, Pidgin) ?

    Does that means this SDK will allow IMs clients like Empathy, Pidgin, Miranda to be compatible with Skype IM ?

    And also would they be able to do Skype voice too?

  • Excellent

    This is great news. I really want to look at the SDK and see about building a plug-in for Pidgin since now it won't require Skype to be running in the backgruond. (I find the Skype plugin for pidgin completely useless because of this, but it isn't their fault.)
comments powered by Disqus

Issue 212/Features

Buy this issue as a PDF

Digital Issue: Price $9.99
(incl. VAT)

DevOps

News

Tag Cloud

Administration Community Events Hardware Linux Linux New Media Linux Pro Magazine Mobile Programming Software Ubuntu Web Development Windows free software open source