CES: Skype expands videoconferencing with purchase of Qik

LAS VEGAS: Skype is moving forward with its videoconferencing efforts by expanding its video arm with an acquisition and introducing two new features.

Skype chief executive Tony Bates told reporters at CES in Las Vegas that the company had agreed to acquire Qik, a videoconferencing firm specialising in the capture and management of video chats. Terms were not disclosed.

"Qik is a complement to what we do. It is incredibly good at capturing moments," he said.

The acquisition will form part of a growing video call business for Skype, which said that video comprised 40 per cent of all minutes spent on Skype last year.

To help continue the push, the company plans to extend several new services to consumer and enterprise users.

The multi-call videoconferencing service introduced in September as a beta will be made available to all users for $8.99 (£5.80) a month, allowing them to conduct group video chats with up to nine other users.

Skype is also extending its service for IP-enabled TVs from just Samsung and Panasonic sets to the Vizia and Sony Bravia lines.

Developers will be offered a set of APIs known as Skypekit to extend Skype support to new devices and appliances.

Bates also addressed the recent Skype outages, explaining that, while embarrassing, the ordeal was also a revelation.

"It is critical that everyone understands how deeply sorry we were this happened, but also we realised how important it is," he said.