Skype 3D version awaiting widespread adoption of technology

Microsoft's corporate vice-president for Skype, Mark Gillett, told the BBC in an interview, that Skype had lined up a version of the messaging programme capable of 3D video calling but was waiting for widespread adoption of consumer technology capable of making good use of the feature.

The BBC interview came as part of Skype's 10th birthday celebrations. Skype would also be giving away free Wi-Fi allowances to all Skype users today.

Gillett told the BBC that the company had worked in the labs looking at the capability of 3D-screens and 3D-capture. He added, the Skype development team could make 3D video messaging work in the lab but the market was not yet ready.

According to Gillett the progress in adoption of 3D-capable TVs and computer monitors had already created half the technology infrastructure.

He however added that capture devices were still lacking as users would need multiple cameras for their computer. They would need to precisely calibrate them and point them at the right angle.

3D, an emerging technology is believed by many to be the driving feature in future of media consumption and entertainment but has suffered from a false start. TV programmers such as the BBC and ESPN have already halted 3D broadcasts.

According to many industry watchers 3D movies and broadcast television had turned out to be something of a flop. The BBC gave up on plans to use 3DTV technology for its programming, on weak demand which did little to justify the massive cost related to filming and airing 3D content. Sony also seemed to have discontinued support for dedicated 3D display for PlayStation gaming, even though 3D gaming had been a near ideal use case scenario for the tech.

Gillett added that Skype was looking in the near-term at more practical improvements, like bringing 1080p video calls to hardware beyond the upcoming Xbox One console.

Building 3D calling capabilities in the unlikely event that the tech took off in a big way seemed to be like building something no one likely wanted according to commentators.