Skype says it is developing 3D video calls, but it could be many years before it launches

A senior executive at Skype has confirmed to BBC News that the company is developing 3D video calls, though he warned it could be many years before the technology is widely available for consumers.

Microsoft’s corporate vice-president for Skype, Mark Gillett, told the BBC that Skype has carried out work in the labs related to the capability of 3D screens and 3D-capture, but “the capture devices are not yet there”. He explained that Skype already has the knowledge to make 3D video calls work in the lab, but catering to varied devices and their capabilities to support the technology will be the key obstacles to overcome before it surfaces in the market.

“As we work with that kind of technology you have to add multiple cameras to your computer, precisely calibrate them and point them at the right angle,” he explains.

Meanwhile, Gillett also told BBC that Skype will likely offer 1080p “super-high definition” video call resolution to devices other than the upcoming Xbox One. The feature is set to land on tablets and laptops before making its way to smartphones as it requires extra processing power.

➤ Skype confirms 3D video calls are under development [BBC News]

Image Credit: Justin Sullivan via Getty Images