Skype’s been popping up in headlines recently, mostly because of their “will they/won’t they” iPad app release. While it’s true that Apple’s iOS is a huge priority for companies looking to expand into the mobile space, let’s not forget that Microsoft paid out a cool $8.5 billion to pick up the communication juggernaut this past May. The big question, then, is where is the love for Windows devices?
Skype’s move into Windows Phone 7 seems to have been on the backburner for a while, but if the new positions popping up on Skype Careers are any indication, they may finally be getting a move on.
Everyone knew that Skype would eventually make its way to the market’s #4 mobile OS even before the official acquisition, but the company has remained mum about anything resembling specific detail. The new listings indicate a definite focus on Windows platforms, and Windows Phone 7 in particular — the responsibilities of their Software Engineer position involve being “responsible for building and optimizing the Skype Video Engine solution for Microsoft Windows and Windows Phone platforms.” It’s a development a long time in the making, but it’s sort of gratifying to see Microsoft finally getting some benefit out of a terribly pricey purchase.
Readers fond of connecting the dots may notice that Skype’s “Fall” release window happens to coincide with Microsoft’s (also vague) Mango timeline. With Skype now an official part of Microsoft, it would seem logical to assume that a new Skype app that supports video calling would be released side-by-side with the software update we’ve all been waiting for, but it’s impossible to say for sure at this point. The one thing this announcement just about solidifies is the appearance of front-facing cameras on new WinPho hardware, a welcome addition, if not the most surprising.