One notable feature the original PlayStation Portable had over it's competitor, the Nintendo DS, was the ability to use Skype directly on the device. It's looking very possible that the newly announced PlayStation Vita could maintain that capability, despite Microsoft's purchase of Skype.
During a recent presentation in Brazil, Sony representatives showed a slide detailing some of the features of Sony's newest portable gaming system, the PlayStation Vita. On that slide, mixed in with the PlayStation Network and WiFi logos, was the Skype logo. Other capabilities on that slide were as expected, touting music and video streaming, and online gaming. The Skype logo was particularly curious because Sony has never before hinted that the software would be available on the Vita. Sony has made it clear that the Vita will be able to make video calls but this functionality was never linked with Skype.
A few obvious questions jump out in this situation. First, if this is true, did Sony make the agreement with Skype before Microsoft purchased the service? The second question is: will the relationship between Sony and Skype change now that Microsoft owns the company?
Microsoft's Skype purchase has recently been approved in the United States by federal antitrust regulators. That means it's just a matter of time before the purchase is finalized and Microsoft controls the company. When Microsoft originally announced their purchase of Skype they made it very clear that they wanted to integrate the service with the Xbox 360 and Kinect. Microsoft also stressed that they did not wish to terminate support for other platforms. "Microsoft will continue to invest in and support Skype clients on non-Microsoft platforms.”
Microsoft is not specific about what platforms they intend to continue to support. Does it make sense to support Skype clients on the platforms of their competitors? Microsoft doesn't exactly have a competing product in the handheld space so it may not be completely absurd to think they would support clients on those devices, even if they are sold by Sony.
The truth is Sony still won't confirm Skype integration on the PS Vita. When asked by Kotaku, a Sony representative said "We haven't announced Skype for Vita, so I can't confirm either way." Perhaps when the Microsoft acquisition of Skype is finalized, Sony will be a little more forthcoming with information about a Skype client for the Vita.
