[tab name=’News’]
Sony’s next-gen handheld games console will gain yet another feather in its cap this Wednesday, as Microsoft’s Skype video calling app will launch for free.
PS Vita gamers in America, Japan and the UK will be able to get their hands on the new app as of tomorrow, which will utilise the console’s front-facing camera for two-way video calling over 3G or Wi-Fi, depending on which model you have.
The app looks pretty neat and fits in with the general theme on Sony’s new handheld, offering four options on the right side for Profile, Contacts, History and a Dial Pad.
Thanks to the Vita’s powerful processor Skype can run in the background, so you can leave yourself signed in and available to receive video calls and messages while you game. If you receive a call or message while in-game Skype will pop-up with a small and unobtrusive message in the top right corner – simply hit the PS button to pause your game and answer the call.
The Vita has both front and rear cameras, both of which can be used in Skype. A settings icon at the bottom of the screen allows you to toggle between both cameras easily when in a video call, which comes in handy when you want to show somebody around your house or wherever you may be.
“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,” says Skype.
The app will be available to download from the PS Store as of tomorrow in the Media and Apps section.
Everyone’s favourite now-middle-aged famous gamer Fatal1ty has been enrolled by Microsoft to demonstrate Skype on his shiny new PS Vita. Check it out!
Let us know your thoughts on our comments below or via our @Gadget_Helpline Twitter page or Official Facebook group.
[/tab]
[end_tabset]