CES: Skype expands videoconferencing plans

Las Vegas: Skype is moving forward with its videoconferencing efforts.

The company said in a presentation at the CES conference that it would be expanding its video arm with an acquisition and a pair of key new features.

Chief executive Tony Bates told reporters that the company had agreed to terms on an acquisition with Qik, a videoconferencing firm specialising in the capture and management of video chats. Terms were not disclosed.

"Qik is a compliment to what we do," said Bates.

"They are incredibly good at capturing moments."

When Qik is added, the company's technology will be part of a growing video call branch for Skype. The company currently estimates that video comprised as much as 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 both consumer and enterprise users.

The multi-user video conferencing service introduced in September as a beta will be made available to all users. A user who pays the $8.99 monthly fee will be able to conduct group video chats with up to 9 other users.

Additionally, the company is extending its service for IP-enabled television sets. Initially limited to Samsung and Panasonic sets, the service will be extended to the Vizia and Sony Bravia lines as well.

For developers, the company will offer a set of APIs known as Skypekit. The toolkit will allow developers to extend Skype support to new devices and appliances.

Bates also addressed recent outages that hit the service. The Skype chief said that while embarrassing, the ordeal was also a revelation for the company.

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

"The notion of how important it is really hits home."