Skype has teamed up with consumer electronics giants LG and Panasonic to embed its technology into new internet-enabled televisions.
Skype, which announced the move at CES in Las Vegas, said both companies will begin selling high-definition TVs which support its web-based calling service mid-year.
The software will be embedded into 26 new LG TVs and certain Panasonic models, and both companies will offer specially-designed HD webcams optimised for Skype video calls, which can be plugged into the televisions. These webcams support include special microphones and optics that pick up sound and video from a couch-distance.
“The popularity of Skype video calling has increased substantially in recent years with an average of 34 per cent of Skype-to-Skype calls now including video,” said Skype CEO Josh Silverman. “For many people who are video calling on Skype, they have expressed a desire to communicate with their friends and family from somewhere comfortable, and preferably on a big screen. Logically, this led to the development of Skype embedded on HDTVs.”
LG and Panasonic are expected to demonstrate their Skype-compatible TVs at CES this week.
Advertisement
Related Stories
- Eugene Polley, inventor of the remote control, dies at 96 May 22nd 2012 at 10:10PM
- Panasonic announces record loss May 13th 2012 at 11:52PM
- Is RAM the next smartphone spec boost? May 6th 2012 at 11:39PM
- LG to mass produce flexible electronic paper Mar 29th 2012 at 11:05PM
- Panasonic becomes Paralympic partner Mar 12th 2012 at 1:05PM
- LG to launch first Nvidia Tegra 3 monster Feb 24th 2012 at 5:36AM
- Panasonic's Android Eluga arrives with a splash Feb 21st 2012 at 1:20AM
- Shake yourself awake Feb 14th 2012 at 4:15PM
- Panasonic joins Sony in forecasting massive losses Feb 6th 2012 at 7:59AM
- Printers and print accessories Jan 13th 2012 at 11:25AM
