Like previous clients, Skype for Windows 8 supports Skype URIs. Simple and cross-platform, Skype URIs are the best way for Windows 8 applications to initiate Skype calls and chats.

As long as the user has Skype installed on their Windows 8 device, the Skype URI will launch the Skype client and initiate a call or send a chat to the specified Skype name or phone number. For example, app developers can enable calling and chatting with the click of a button by combining a Skype URI with a name or number field in a user profile.

Skype for Windows 8 supports URIs for switching to the Skype client, initiating audio, video and conference calls and sending both individual and group instant messages. Skype URIs can even initiate calls to mobiles and landlines.

Add Skype URIs to your Windows 8 app!

Skype URIs provide a simple way for developers to initiate Skype calls and chats directly from their websites, desktop and mobile apps. As long as the user has Skype installed on their computer or mobile device, the URI will bring the user into the Skype app to connect the call or send the chat. This enables a convenient, yet familiar, mechanism for users to reach their friends, family and businesses.

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Skype is the most popular video calling application on Android handsets and tablets with more than 90 million downloads. As more and more Android devices enter the market, we want to ensure that every Skype user gets the best video-calling experience possible.

To achieve this high level of quality across all devices, Skype has created a self-service program that allows handset manufacturers to test the performance of Skype for Android and optimize the quality of the user experience on their devices.

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Skype is excited to see the birth of the Opus codec as a fully-fledged IETF standard built on Skype's highly successful SILK codec. We introduced SILK, our own audio codec, to make our calls sound more like being there in person in January 2009. Since then, we've used it to serve more than 750 billion Skype-to-Skype minutes.

Skype initiated the idea of developing and standardizing a codec 'built for the internet' and usable by everybody else within the IETF back in March 2009. Senior Skype Architect and Distinguished Engineer Koen Vos and our audio team began work on it in June 2009. After objections were overcome, Opus was submitted to the IETF in September 2010.

We believe that Opus will be the new, free, go-to codec for real time communication, streaming and storage.

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Today we’re releasing a Hot Fix for SkypeKit 4.3. We strongly recommend that all developers upgrade to this hot fix.

Download the SDK and runtimes

For full details on the fix, please see the release notes.

Skype Developer team

Today we’re pleased to announce the release of SkypeKit 4.3 and SkypeKit 3.7 Hot Fix 1.

You can now download the SDK and runtimes as a single package for each release.

Download SkypeKit 4.3 or SkypeKit 3.7 Hot Fix 1

All previous releases in both branches have been removed, meaning you can no longer download the SDK or request runtimes for older versions of SkypeKit.

SkypeKit 4.3

Changes to SkypeKit 4.3 include the removal of runtimes for MIPS and all runtimes including voice RTP. This is due to low interest in these runtimes.

There are some changes to the video API, Java wrapper and .NET wrapper.

Get all the details in the release notes.

SkypeKit 3.7 Hot Fix 1

This is a minor hot fix which includes an audio and a compiler bug fix. No runtimes have been removed from the distribution.

Lean more in the release notes.

Skype Developer Team

In the next few days we will be making some changes to the way SkypeKit runtimes are downloaded.

Firstly, you’ll be able to download the SkypeKit SDK and runtimes together as one package. You’ll no longer need to request runtimes individually.

Once this change goes into effect, you will no longer be able to download previous versions of SkypeKit (4.2 or earlier).

Due to low interest, we have also decided to remove runtimes for MIPS and all runtimes including voice RTP from our 4.x branch. 

While older runtimes will continue to function with existing or new key pairs, if you need to download an earlier SDK or request a runtime for SkypeKit 4.2 or earlier, now is the time to do it.

Skype Developer team

Today we're pleased to release SkypeKit 4.2.

You can download the SDK and order specific configurations based on chipset, OS, and media Integration options from the download page. Each runtime you order will be available for download by everyone in your organization account.

Download SkypeKit:

http;//developer.skype.com/C/12/07/SDPNews/1  

Some notable updates in SkypeKit 4.2:  

*  Includes the developer preview of the .NET wrapper, as well as some API changes

* Adds Java tutorials for App2App datagrams and sending SMS messages

* Deprecates and removes the "old" Java wrapper (interfaces/skype/java), leaving only the newer version, java2

See the release notes for a full list of bug fixes and known issues:

http://developer.skype.com/C/12/07/SDPNews/2

.NET wrapper developer preview



The developer preview of the .NET wrapper extends the number of languages you can use to work with SkypeKit, including C#, C++, CLI and Visual Basic.

Try it out – particularly if you’re writing desktop applications – and give us your feedback. As a developer preview, this wrapper may still have bugs that we have not yet identified or fixed.

Ask questions and report bugs for the new wrapper in the forum:

http://developer.skype.com/C/12/07/SDPNews/3

Today we're happy to release SkypeKit 3.7. It’s the final SkypeKit 3x SDK release. From now on, only SkypeKit 4.x will be actively developed further and the next major releases will all be based on that.

You can download the SDK and order specific configurations based on chipset, OS, and media integration options from the download page. Each runtime you order will be available for download by everyone in your organization account.

Download SkypeKit

The 3.7 release contains mostly bug fixes, including the re-introduction of the Android reference client.

See the release notes for a full list of bug fixes and known issues.

We’re pleased to announce the release of the Skype Encoding Camera Extension Unit (SkypeECXU) software library source code.

The SkypeECXU library compliments the Skype Encoding Camera Specification (SECS).
These specifications enable software developers to add video calling capabilities to their applications or create real-time streaming video devices, such as webcams that connect directly to the Internet, to send video calls to any Skype user.

Learn more and download the library

If you are embedding SkypeKit into a hardware product*, you'll need to submit it to our Certification Lab before you can obtain your distribution key pair and list it in the Skype Shop.

Skype spends a tremendous amount of time ensuring that our Desktop and Mobile clients provide the best audio and video experience possible for the given bandwidth conditions.  To ensure that a user can expect these same standards even when they are calling via Skype on a partner’s product, we created the Skype Certification Program. 

The Skype Developer website describes the certification process and provides links to:

* Summaries of the required/preferred audio and video standards

* A guide to designing your UI and providing an appropriate level of functionality and user experience

* A guide to packaging your product with the “plugged into Skype” logo

* The actual test specifications—including those for the actual test environment and the expected results

If you’re developing a TV-based product, be sure to see the Applicable Requirements page under Design for TV.

Need more help?  Visit the forum.

*The definition of a hardware device can be found in the SkypeKit License Agreement.

Today we're pleased to release SkypeKit 4.1.

You can download the SDK and order specific configurations based on chipset, OS, and media integration options from the download page. Each runtime you order will be available for download by everyone in your organization account.

Download SkypeKit

SkypeKit 4.1 includes a new Java wrapper, a new default database path, some changes to the API for call quality indicators, and some bug fixes.

See the release notes for a full list of bug fixes and known issues.

New Java wrapper

The SkypeKit 4.1 SDK and runtimes support two Java "wrappers" — the old wrapper from SkypeKit 3.6 that supports all existing SkypeKit runtimes, and a new wrapper.

Follow-on releases to SkypeKit 3.6 will continue to support the old wrapper, and will incorporate necessary bug fixes. However, the next SkypeKit 4.x release will deprecate the old wrapper, and follow-on SkypeKit 4.x releases will not support the old wrapper at all.

Read more about the new Java wrapper

Getting the user experience right is key to a successful product – and we’re here to help. The Skype Developer Program has written guidelines to help developers and designers create great user experiences.

The Skype user experience (UX) guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge that:

* Helps you assess your users’ needs and determine how best to meet them

* Presents platform independent, Skype-specific UI tips and strategies

* Provides Skype task-specific guidance, such as how to create a new Skype account, sign in, or call a phone or mobile device

* Details Skype terms, phrases,  suggested error messages, and suggested call quality messages

* Skype on your TV – Specific guidelines for TVs and understanding the audio and video complexities of the “living room” environment.

Want to share your own best practices and get tips from other developers and designers? Check out the user experience section on the developer forum to start a discussion about your own research and innovations.

A year ago when I started as the SDP Community Manager, my goal was to build a lively forum that was responsive and recognised developers for supporting the rest of the community.

In the first six months since we launched the SkypeKit program, the forum has become a valuable resource to find support.  One out of four members are active on a monthly basis and have contributed over 3600 posts. With the help of both Skype engineers and forum members, most posts are replied to within a few hours.

The more you share your knowledge in the forum, the higher your answers will rank and the more privileges you will be given. I'd like to thank JoshuaElliot and TheUberOverlord for going above and beyond to make the Skype Developer forum a success. I'd also like to welcome our newest Super User, Skype4Hao.

If you’ve got questions about integrating Skype into your desktop application or embedded device, visit the forum and see if anyone else has asked a similar question. If not, you can be the first!

My top tips

• Search for a solution before you post your question
• Post in a board that’s relevant to your question
• Reporting a problem? Tell us which wrapper, operating system and runtime you are using, include versions
• Include outputs from the runtimes where appropriate as this could be important
• If your query has been answered, give Kudos to all posts which help fix your issues and accept as a solution the post that directly helped you
• If your SkypeKit runtime unexpectedly exits or does something you weren’t expecting, create a log using the –r flag and upload it to the log manager before you post

Today, we updated the Skype Developer website to more clearly articulate the development process from concept to commercialization for both SkypeKit and the Desktop API.

We’ve created four distinct programs based around the Skype technology that suits your needs - SkypeKit or the Desktop API - and the platform that you’re building on - either software or embedded hardware.

Each of your apps has been migrated into “projects” that outline the steps for developing a Skype-enabled product. Get started by visiting “My Tools & Downloads” to see a list of all your projects, to create a new project, or to access your tools and downloads.

All existing members of the SkypeKit Developer program will be added to both the SkypeKit for Embedded and SkypeKit for Desktop programs, while new members will have the option of joining one or both programs.

We’ve also added the Desktop API for Software and Desktop API for Hardware programs to our developer forum. The old Desktop API forum, located in the Skype Support Network, will continue to be available but is read-only. 

Since we launched the Skype Developer program in June 2011, we have sent all news using our email newsletter. We have listened to your feedback and are giving you more control over where and when you receive Skype Developer communications. 

All news will be available on the forum under "Skype Developer News":

• RSS updates
• Email subscription
• Immediate, daily, weekly or monthly updates
• Get the news & any comments from the community
• Share news with your friends via twitter directly from the article
• Bookmark and share the news via most popular social networking sites  (over 300 to choose from)
• HTML or rich text options available
• Get the whole news article or just the subject

Change how you receive your Skype Developer news now

For RSS : copy and paste our RSS feed address into the newsreader of your choice. If you have RSS enabled web browser you can click the address below and subscribe this way.

http://devforum.skype.com/skyped/rss/board?board.id=News

Note: Chrome users will not be able to read the Skype Developer RSS feed unless they have a third party RSS reader or install the RSS Subscription Extension available from the Google web store.

For email :

1.  Visit our Skype Developer news blog
2. On the upper left corner, choose “Blog options”.
3. Choose “Subscribe”.

If you have any questions please visit our website FAQs here : http://devforum.skype.com/t5/Website-FAQs/bd-p/WebFAQs

For a full list of features and improvements in SkypeKit 4.02, please visit the release notes

In the next few days, SkypeKit Developer Program members will be able to download SkypeKit 4.02 Developer Preview and try out new technologies for desktop applications, including support for video on Windows, Mac, and Linux desktop runtimes. This preview is intended to give developers a head start in developing video applications on the desktop and to gather developer feedback on our video implementation. Given that this Developer Preview is subject to change, with features being added and/or removed, SkypeKit for Embedded Hardware developers are encouraged to continue working with SkypeKit 3 Beta as we are working hard to release a gold version of this by early 2012.SkypeKit 4 Beta will be available for users in early 2012 and maturing to gold later in the year.

The new App Directory is now available from Skype clients and gives your application visibility to over 170 million connected users every month and growing!

The App Directory comes with a built in review and rating system that users can use to rate your applications, which we then highlight on the front of the App Directory to help users get to the most popular apps quickly.

You can also promote offers for your application through the App Directory to help attract new users to your application.

If you haven’t already then submit your app now!

We have put together some submission guidelines to help you prepare you app for submission to the directory.

If you have any further questions please see the FAQ’s we have published or post in the forum.

Hi all,

Next week we'll be changing the permissions in the forum to make it read only for everyone, including members of the public and search engines. Users will need to be registered to be able to post in the forum.

These changes will serve to make it easier for you to find answers using popular search engines as well as help cultivate our community.

The above changes will take effect on Tuesday, 4th October.

If you have any concerns about these change please contact us.

We are pleased to announce that we have just released SkypeKit 3.5.

You can download the SDK and order specific configurations based on chipset, OS, and media integration options from the download page. Each runtime you order will be available for download by everyone in your organization account.

Summary of changes:

• The python wrapper is now available online.
• Missing object references to the calling object have been added as arguments to several listener class callback methods. This makes it possible to easily reference, which object was causing the event to fire. See change log for a full list of modified methods.
• We have added extra logging to the encrypted logs to detect issues with IPC connections.
• New Voice Quality Engine log files, that will help identify and debug audio related problems.

Full Release notes for SkypeKit 3.5

With SkypeKit 3.5 we’ve improved the IPC logging in the encrypted logs. To help you make use of these logs we are also pleased to announce the launch of a new web-based log analyzer tool. Using the log analyzer, you can upload log files and view the results to help spot IPC, TLS connection and other errors.

The log visualizer is a graphical representation of key metrics that are recorded to ensure the crisp Skype quality our users expect. These metrics include CPU usage, jitter, and much more.

The log reporter shows relevant information on calls, user interaction (UI) events and resource usage.

To try it out simply visit the link below (sign in required) and upload a log file. We’ll email you once your log has been processed so you can view the results. Everyone in your organization account will also be able to see them.

Please follow the steps below to ensure the log file contains the relevant information. It will also help keep the log file size to a minimum.

1. Start the SkypeKit runtime with logging enabled (flag -d).
2. Connect your client and any voice / video hosts.
3. Reproduce the issue or call once.
4. Shutdown SkypeKit.
5. Upload the log file.

Please note that we updated the SkypeKit licence agreement on August 30, 2011, and the distribution terms on August 25, 2011.

The Skype Developer team

Follow us on Twitter @SkypeDeveloper or Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SkypeDeveloper

SkypeKit developers can now download the latest set of Skype emoticons from the Skype GUI Assets page!

The new emoticons are available in sizes from 20x20 pixels to 80x80 pixels as both static and animated PNG files, and include both updates to current emoticons and new emoticons such as facepalm, lalala, and TMI.

These new emoticons replace the previous 19x19 pixels set of static PNG and animated GIF files, which are no longer available for download.

We're pleased to announce a new account feature for developer.skype.com - users can now belong to more than one organization account, useful for those of you doing work for more than one group or company, or for those who may have signed up separately but would like to all belong to the same account.

If you're an account admin, you can invite a user into your account. They'll receive an email invitation they'll need to accept to join.

You can become a member of more than one account by being invited into another account, or by creating a new account.

If you'd like to merge accounts, simply invite your colleagues into your organization's main account - giving them access to your company's runtimes and apps.

If you belong to more than one account, you'll be prompted to choose which one you'd like to sign in with when you log in to developer.skype.com. You can change this at any time with a drop-down menu that will appear in the upper right corner of your web page, listing the accounts you're a member of.

Remember, runtimes and key pairs must be requested and generated from within the same account. You may also have different access permissions depending on what account you're signed in with.

The Skype Developer team

Hi all,

Today we're pleased to release SkypeKit 3.4.

You can download the SDK and order specific configurations based on chipset, OS, and media integration options from the download page.

Each runtime you order will be available for download by everyone in your organization account.

SkypeKit 3.4 reduces the time required to build your runtimes and includes a series of bug fixes, specifically a new debug function for the C++ wrapper and an improvement to flash storage wear.

See the release notes for a full list of bug fixes and known issues.

The SkypeKit Team

Late last year, the number of internet connected devices passed the 5 billion mark according to IMS research. It was around that time that the analyst firm predicted we'd connect 22 billion devices by 2020. So, what will be different about the next 17 billion devices? Video. When you talk about connecting devices to the internet, we want you to think about a lot more than that. Think about the possibilities to connect people - you and me - with devices as the conduit.

With that in mind, today we're thrilled to announce that SkypeKit - our collection of software and APIs that allow Internet-connected devices to offer Skype voice and video calls - is now open to the broader development community. With SkypeKit, we believe the possibilities for 'video anywhere' are truly endless and we know that for this next wave of connected devices, video will be a critical component. In fact, with the consumer electronics products developed through SkypeKit, talking to friends and colleagues around the world on a variety of consumer devices becomes as seamless as talking to them across a kitchen table or a conference room.

Visit the blog for more

SkypeKit 3.1 was for development purposes only and is no longer available on developer.skype.com. To commercialize a product, you must use either a 3.2 or 3.3 SDK and request a distribution key pair for your app. 

Remember, if you're creating a hardware product, you'll need to pass certification before you can distribute your product.

We always recommend that partners use the latest version of SkypeKit. Please check the release notes for differences in these versions.

All video-enabled desktop (Windows and Mac) runtimes are unavailable for the 3.2 and 3.3. releases. We are in process of a major overhaul of how desktop video rendering is handled. Desktop video will be reintroduced in an upcoming version.

The Skype Developer Team is very pleased to announce that a new version of the SkypeKit Distribution License is now available.

http://developer.skype.com/skypekit/legal/distribution-terms

Please also review the SkypeKit License Agreement because we've made some important updates to this agreement. In particular, please review the SkypeKit Development Rules at Section 4.

http://developer.skype.com/skypekit/legal/license

In the coming weeks, we will be rolling out more documentation on how to to commercialize your SkypeKit-based product. Please note that all hardware must be certified through the Skype Certification Lab before you can access a distribution key pair. We look forward to seeing the next generation of Skype-enabled applications.

Hi all,

For about the last 30 minutes we have been having some problems with our network. We are investigating the cause of this and I will post updates here as and when they become available.

Hi all,

We have published a poll today which seeks to identify area's of our support offering that you find most useful. You can vote in the poll once you have logged in by going to the forum homepage : http://developer.skype.com/skypekit/forum and clicking the Vote button.

Please vote