This is the first Skype client that is more than just Skype on a device: Skype for Xbox One has system-wide integration. It is ubiquitous through the system itself, part of the Xbox One’s fast switching feature. Yet the Skype client is more than just an app on the console. Naturally that number will likely jump once Skype for Xbox One, which is much better suited for large groups than laptops and desktops, increases the maximum. The good news is that Ladha told us more than 90 percent of group calls are four or less people. Unfortunately, the feature is limited to four people right now. Otherwise, you will see them side-by-side. This works particularly well in group video calling, which not only tracks everyone in the frame, but also lets you bring individuals to fullscreen if they have something important to say or show. Roshak says this functionality was pulled off as part of a “last-minute effort.” If someone leaves the frame, Skype will focus on who is left and zoom in on them. Because the Kinect comes with the Xbox One, Skype can track skeletons to keep track of everyone in the room. Video calls have two features worth underlining: auto zoom and auto pan. There are three sections to start from, just like other Skype apps: Recent, Favorites, and People. Navigating the Skype client for Xbox One works just as you’d expect: you can use the controller or your voice. This allows the Xbox One’s game chat and party chat to be based on the Silk codec, using a common technology for all types of calls on the console. In fact, the Xbox One is the first device where Skype doesn’t use its own engines, according to Mo Ladha, Microsoft’s Product and Program Manager for Skype and Lync Video.

The team had to swap out Skype’s existing audio and video engines for the hardware accelerated engines on the console. The former required making sure that Skype’s Silk audio codec could work in conjunction with Xbox’s hardware. Next, audio and video calls were added, followed by all the other features like being able to add accounts. This lets you ping to see if your contact is there, use emoticons, and so on. The first thing the Skype team for Xbox got up and running was the chat client, which lets you input on the virtual keyboard with the console’s controller.

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