Turn your portable videogame console into an actual phone

Apr 25, 2012 18:31 GMT  ·  By

PlayStation Vita owners can now turn their portable videogame console into an actual phone, thanks to the recently launched Skype app for the new platform, which supports not only regular voice calling, but also video calls. This can be achieved thanks to the device’s built-in microphone and its two cameras.

Sony has been hyping up the PS Vita since before its February release, promising not just lots of cool games, but also an array of apps that make going onto social networks like Facebook or Twitter, as well as accessing services like Netflix, a breeze.

Now, a new service has made its appearance on the PS Vita, in the form of Skype, which is now available as a free app from the PlayStation Store for both the regular Wi-Fi model and the Wi-Fi + 3G edition of the Vita.

“The Skype app includes free Skype-to-Skype voice calling, as well as high-quality video calling that utilizes PS Vita’s front and rear cameras,” a Skype representative said about the application. “The Skype app on PS Vita runs in “background mode” while you’re gaming or using other applications — meaning you have the capability to “pause” a game, conduct a call and then return to your previous activity — so you never miss a call. Plus, with a little Skype credit you can make low-cost calls to landlines and mobile directly from your PS Vita.”

What’s more, thanks to the built-in front and rear cameras on the PS Vita, Skype on the platform can also support video calling, and you can freely switch between the two cameras just by interacting with the Vita’s touchscreen controls.

In case you want an actual demonstration of Skype running on the PlayStation Vita, a special video has been revealed by the service, starring famous pro gamer Fatal1ty, which you can enjoy below.

The Skype Vita app is now available for owners of the console all over the world.