When Microsoft bought video calling software Skype after launching Kinect for the Xbox 360, many put two and two together and assumed that we’d soon be making video calls from our consoles.
Until now we’ve heard of no plans to launch Skype on the Xbox, with Microsoft instead focussing on bringing the app to its Windows Phone platform. However, things are starting to look rosy for Xbox gamers, as Microsoft has posted a job listing hinting at the development of Skype for the console.
The advert, looking for a Software Development Engineer for ‘Xbox – Skype’ reads: “Skype is seeking a motivated Software Engineer with an unrelenting drive for working on and solving customer-based issues. As a member of the Skype Xbox Engineering Team in London, you will have a strong technical background developing client and/or embedded software”
While Microsoft hasn’t announced any plans to bring video calling to its home console, this advert seems like a pretty solid confirmation that they’re starting to develop the software.
If Skype were to come to the Xbox 360 it will use the Kinect accessory in order to stream video and audio, with the software becoming available as an app that can be downloaded to the console’s dashboard.
Microsoft is looking to create a Skype app for Xbox that fits in with its new Metro style that is present in Windows 8, the new Xbox 360 dashboard and on the Windows Phone 7 platform. The advert continues: “as Microsoft platforms move towards Metro style, Windows 8 metro development experience would also be a benefit.”
Skype for Xbox looks to be in the very early stages right now, so don’t hold your breath for a download coming along anytime soon. That said, it’s an exciting prospect and we can’t wait to be skyping from the comfort of the sofa using our console, can you?
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Via: Eurogamer