Quite possibly the most requested app for the PlayStation Vita, Skype, which is now owned by Microsoft, is an app that Vita owners have wanted since launch date. Sony, who is no stranger to Skype, currently offers the video chatting service on the PlayStation Portable (PSP), Xperia smartphones, tablets, and on a range of Bravia televisions which require you to purchase a separate camera. This, of course, made Skype on the Vita a no-brainer which not only houses a more powerful processor than Sony’s line of televisions and the PSP. These all require the purchase of a separate camera, unlike the PS Vita, which comes with a front- and rear-facing camera.

Earlier this month, we reported on rumors which pegged the video chatting service to arrive on the Vita by month’s end. This application is available on all platforms, including the Mac and PC, which in turn allows you to video chat with nearly an unlimited pool of people. Now, the wait is over with the free app arriving later today on the handheld which will allow you to make video calls to any other Skype-enabled device. Let’s talk app capabilities.

While being able to connect and video chat with other Skype owners is indeed a big plus of the app, especially if the service eventually finds its way to the PS3, what truly makes Skype on the Vita a must-have feature is its ability to run in the background. This means, gamers who, for instance, boot up for instance Rayman on the Vita can still be logged into Skype and receive and make calls without ever having to quit the application. We’ll have more for you on this in the near future.

Discuss:

Will you be downloading the PS Vita Skype app?

[showhide]

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®

Palo Alto, CA – April 24, 2012 –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.”

[/showhide]