Boxee

Webcam support and Skype App for the Boxee Box

Details

  • Type: Improvement Improvement
  • Status: Reopened Reopened
  • Priority: P2 P2
  • Resolution: Unresolved
  • Fix Version/s: Product
  • Component/s: Hardware
  • Labels:
    None
  • Severity:
    Major
  • Operating System:
    Boxee Box
  • Number of attachments:
    5

Description


HDTV manufacturers are embedding Skype in their connected TVs: http://blogs.zdnet.com/gadgetreviews/?p=10505
There is also another box running Boxee, http://www.nuumedia.com and it also includes Skype.

You may also be aware of this request through http://getsatisfaction.com/boxee/topics/skype_on_boxee_anyone

And there are many other users supporting the idea participated in:
http://forums.boxee.tv/showthread.php?t=14584
http://forums.boxee.tv/archive/index.php/t-20259.html
http://www.odcsss.ie/content/integration-skype-capability-boxee
http://forums.boxee.tv/showthread.php?t=21550

As you can see, even "official partnership" with skype and "compatible accessories" (webcam and maybe wireless headphones) are welcome.

Please consider officially supporting Skype with Video.
  1. File
    skypeAppforBoxeeBox.bmml
    17/Mar/11 4:20 PM
    8 kB
    Giovani Spagnolo
  2. File
    skypeAppforBoxeeBox.bmml
    17/Mar/11 4:18 PM
    8 kB
    Giovani Spagnolo
  3. File
    skypeAppforBoxeeBox.bmml
    17/Mar/11 3:47 PM
    3 kB
    Giovani Spagnolo
  4. File
    skypeAppforBoxeeBox.bmml
    17/Mar/11 3:47 PM
    3 kB
    Giovani Spagnolo
  1. skypeAppforBoxeeBox.png
    79 kB
    17/Mar/11 4:20 PM

Activity

Ascending order - Click to sort in descending order
Hide
Permalink
Giovani Spagnolo added a comment -
Edited UI Mockup <skypeAppforBoxeeBox>: a UI sample for an official skype app for the boxee box - video call screen.
Show
Giovani Spagnolo added a comment - Edited UI Mockup <skypeAppforBoxeeBox>: a UI sample for an official skype app for the boxee box - video call screen.
Hide
Permalink
Rafael Mizrahi [Boxee] added a comment -
This issue is awaiting review from Boxee Product Management.
If you are keen to have this improvement implemented, please Comment and Vote for it.
Show
Rafael Mizrahi [Boxee] added a comment - This issue is awaiting review from Boxee Product Management. If you are keen to have this improvement implemented, please Comment and Vote for it.
Hide
Permalink
haveringcottage added a comment -
i would love to see this app on boxee.

so would many others, who may not have jira access....

in addition to the forum threads quoted above, see forum posts here: http://forums.boxee.tv/showthread.php?t=2475

+1!!!
Show
haveringcottage added a comment - i would love to see this app on boxee. so would many others, who may not have jira access.... in addition to the forum threads quoted above, see forum posts here: http://forums.boxee.tv/showthread.php?t=2475 +1!!!
Hide
Permalink
haveringcottage added a comment -
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-13343600

i should imagine any such decision will almost certainly be ON HOLD because of this!!
Show
haveringcottage added a comment - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-13343600 i should imagine any such decision will almost certainly be ON HOLD because of this!!
Hide
Permalink
Victor Z added a comment - - edited
I don't suspect the acquisition of Skype by Microsoft will change the decision process. Skype has in the past been very open to bringing their application to different platforms. I don't think Microsoft will change this attitude. At the end of the day, the potential Boxee Skype app would operate on a Skype account, and Skype (or perhaps Microsoft) would profit. I speculate that most of the work that would need to be done to bring forth this application would be in software, which is drastically easier and cheaper than developing and manufacturing specific hardware.
Show
Victor Z added a comment - - edited I don't suspect the acquisition of Skype by Microsoft will change the decision process. Skype has in the past been very open to bringing their application to different platforms. I don't think Microsoft will change this attitude. At the end of the day, the potential Boxee Skype app would operate on a Skype account, and Skype (or perhaps Microsoft) would profit. I speculate that most of the work that would need to be done to bring forth this application would be in software, which is drastically easier and cheaper than developing and manufacturing specific hardware.
Hide
Permalink
haveringcottage added a comment -
the difference is that microsoft is greedy and already own's a hardware product plugged into a TV (xbox)

I don't suspect the acquisition of Skype by Microsoft will change the decision process - i don't think this will be boxee's call - i think if microsoft says no then that's the end of it!
Show
haveringcottage added a comment - the difference is that microsoft is greedy and already own's a hardware product plugged into a TV (xbox) I don't suspect the acquisition of Skype by Microsoft will change the decision process - i don't think this will be boxee's call - i think if microsoft says no then that's the end of it!
Hide
Permalink
Victor Z added a comment -
Greedy means wanting to make money, no?
I don't see a conflict of application between the XBOX 360 and the boxee, as the 360 is intended to be a gaming console.
The XBOX original on the other hand does conflict with Boxee, but Microsoft no longer sells XBOX originals and had never supported its use as a rooted media centre.
Show
Victor Z added a comment - Greedy means wanting to make money, no? I don't see a conflict of application between the XBOX 360 and the boxee, as the 360 is intended to be a gaming console. The XBOX original on the other hand does conflict with Boxee, but Microsoft no longer sells XBOX originals and had never supported its use as a rooted media centre.
Hide
Permalink
Dave added a comment -
My fear/suspicion is that M$ will discontinue Linux support with Skype. Then, after a few version changes in the windows version of Skype, the old Linux installs will no longer be compatible.
Show
Dave added a comment - My fear/suspicion is that M$ will discontinue Linux support with Skype. Then, after a few version changes in the windows version of Skype, the old Linux installs will no longer be compatible.
Hide
Permalink
Peter Bozickovic added a comment -
Actually sounds like a cool suggestion able to connect your existing usb web cam to the Boxee box to use skype,
would like to see this implemented. :)
Show
Peter Bozickovic added a comment - Actually sounds like a cool suggestion able to connect your existing usb web cam to the Boxee box to use skype, would like to see this implemented. :)
Hide
Permalink
Adam Fabicki added a comment -
I may already have a Boxee Box, but a feature like this could be just the thing to convince my parents to get one too.
Show
Adam Fabicki added a comment - I may already have a Boxee Box, but a feature like this could be just the thing to convince my parents to get one too.
Hide
Permalink
Bill Daly added a comment -
I just wanted to say this is an application I would actually purchase if money was the driving factor behind putting out this app. Just a consideration.

iRoNBiLL
Show
Bill Daly added a comment - I just wanted to say this is an application I would actually purchase if money was the driving factor behind putting out this app. Just a consideration. iRoNBiLL
Hide
Permalink
Martin G. Lapointe added a comment -
Why not do like alot of people and implement LinPhone?

Show
Martin G. Lapointe added a comment - Why not do like alot of people and implement LinPhone?
Hide
Permalink
Steven Casiello added a comment - - edited
I really want to see this feature come to Boxee, if and when it does, I will purchase at least two additional Boxee Boxes for family overseas.

Google TV has webcam support, and it has very similar basic hardware specifications to the Boxee Box, both have 1.2GHz Sodaville Atom CPUs and 1 GB DDR3 RAM, so there seems to be no real hardware impediment.

Apple TV is also rumoured to be receiving FaceTime support, Boxee needs to keep-up with its competitors, or it will become irrelevant.
Show
Steven Casiello added a comment - - edited I really want to see this feature come to Boxee, if and when it does, I will purchase at least two additional Boxee Boxes for family overseas. Google TV has webcam support, and it has very similar basic hardware specifications to the Boxee Box, both have 1.2GHz Sodaville Atom CPUs and 1 GB DDR3 RAM, so there seems to be no real hardware impediment. Apple TV is also rumoured to be receiving FaceTime support, Boxee needs to keep-up with its competitors, or it will become irrelevant.
Hide
Permalink
PJ added a comment -
Shouldn't they post this in forums, eh?
Show
PJ added a comment - Shouldn't they post this in forums, eh?
Hide
Permalink
Darwin A added a comment -
Can Boxee also work on getting " ooVoo" i like Skype but preferr ooVoo better...
Show
Darwin A added a comment - Can Boxee also work on getting " ooVoo" i like Skype but preferr ooVoo better...
Hide
Permalink
LOGIK added a comment -
Can be so coooooooool!
Show
LOGIK added a comment - Can be so coooooooool!
Hide
Permalink
innovativevsregressive added a comment -
Response from Skype:
http://forums.boxee.tv/showpost.php?p=208378&postcount=34
Show
innovativevsregressive added a comment - Response from Skype: http://forums.boxee.tv/showpost.php?p=208378&postcount=34
Hide
Permalink
Edge Media Ltd added a comment -
Great, we are selling boxee's in New Zealand and their is a huge demand for a skype application... Can't wait for skype to release the app!!
Show
Edge Media Ltd added a comment - Great, we are selling boxee's in New Zealand and their is a huge demand for a skype application... Can't wait for skype to release the app!!
Hide
Permalink
nick norwood added a comment -
This is something we really need. Please add this!!!!!!
Show
nick norwood added a comment - This is something we really need. Please add this!!!!!!
Hide
Permalink
haveringcottage added a comment -
any progress on this? If Samsung SMART tv's can integrate Skype, on whatever puny hardware is inside those TV's, then boxee can too. Imagine how AWESOME this would be. People could buy boxee boxes just to use as skype recievers for their living rooms!
Show
haveringcottage added a comment - any progress on this? If Samsung SMART tv's can integrate Skype, on whatever puny hardware is inside those TV's, then boxee can too. Imagine how AWESOME this would be. People could buy boxee boxes just to use as skype recievers for their living rooms!
Hide
Permalink
Aasgeir Vikanes added a comment -
Please add Skype asap!
Show
Aasgeir Vikanes added a comment - Please add Skype asap!
Hide
Permalink
Britton Marsden added a comment -
Consider this a vote to add Skyle (either official or unofficial)
Show
Britton Marsden added a comment - Consider this a vote to add Skyle (either official or unofficial)
Hide
Permalink
Rafael Mizrahi [Boxee] added a comment -
Thank you for the information. I have forward your feedback to Boxee Product Management.
Issue closed as Incomplete. Issue will not fix now, but may reevaluate later.

We're using JIRA only for Bug reports and Improvements of existing features.
For more information please see Boxee JIRA guidelines at http://boxee.zendesk.com/entries/401218-jira-guidlines
For New Feature Requests, please promote your ideas at http://forums.boxee.tv/forumdisplay.php?f=12 the more votes and views the higher the priority.
Show
Rafael Mizrahi [Boxee] added a comment - Thank you for the information. I have forward your feedback to Boxee Product Management. Issue closed as Incomplete. Issue will not fix now, but may reevaluate later. We're using JIRA only for Bug reports and Improvements of existing features. For more information please see Boxee JIRA guidelines at http://boxee.zendesk.com/entries/401218-jira-guidlines For New Feature Requests, please promote your ideas at http://forums.boxee.tv/forumdisplay.php?f=12 the more votes and views the higher the priority.
Hide
Permalink
Rafael Mizrahi [Boxee] added a comment -
reopen on 1.2.1.20426
This issue is awaiting review from Boxee Product Management.
If you are keen to have this feature implemented, please Comment and Vote for it.
Show
Rafael Mizrahi [Boxee] added a comment - reopen on 1.2.1.20426 This issue is awaiting review from Boxee Product Management. If you are keen to have this feature implemented, please Comment and Vote for it.
Hide
Permalink
Yellow Online added a comment -
I like Boxee a lot. A Skype-app could be made by the community, but webcam support should be implemented first of course. The issue will be drivers of course - I have not wonderful solution for that. :(
Show
Yellow Online added a comment - I like Boxee a lot. A Skype-app could be made by the community, but webcam support should be implemented first of course. The issue will be drivers of course - I have not wonderful solution for that. :(
Hide
Permalink
haveringcottage added a comment -
YES PLEASE !!!!!
Show
haveringcottage added a comment - YES PLEASE !!!!!
Hide
Permalink
Memo added a comment -
I really think this would help sell the Boxee box. It would make a complete upgrade for your tv. Add to that a nifty little green boxee shaped cam and you would be rolling...
Show
Memo added a comment - I really think this would help sell the Boxee box. It would make a complete upgrade for your tv. Add to that a nifty little green boxee shaped cam and you would be rolling...
Hide
Permalink
Memo added a comment -
Another thing that would pull it in, seeing as the live tv is now there... being able to set for just voice chat or set P.I.P. so that you can watch something "with friends". And perhaps if they are a boxee user as well you can "sync" what you are viewing.
Show
Memo added a comment - Another thing that would pull it in, seeing as the live tv is now there... being able to set for just voice chat or set P.I.P. so that you can watch something "with friends". And perhaps if they are a boxee user as well you can "sync" what you are viewing.
Hide
Permalink
Iain added a comment -
This would be great - a real game-changer as far as my kids grandparents are concerned as they could get a video feed of our living room with the kids running around - its really difficult to get two young children to sit still in front of a computer without them bashing the keyboard and disconnecting the call! It may even encourage them to get a boxee box themselves.
Show
Iain added a comment - This would be great - a real game-changer as far as my kids grandparents are concerned as they could get a video feed of our living room with the kids running around - its really difficult to get two young children to sit still in front of a computer without them bashing the keyboard and disconnecting the call! It may even encourage them to get a boxee box themselves.
Hide
Permalink
Mark Webb added a comment -
It would be a fantastic addition to the boxee box but it means a licensing deal with Microsoft.
Show
Mark Webb added a comment - It would be a fantastic addition to the boxee box but it means a licensing deal with Microsoft.
Hide
Permalink
Bill Belsey added a comment -
Please add Skype ASAP!
Show
Bill Belsey added a comment - Please add Skype ASAP!
Hide
Permalink
Simon C. added a comment -
Hi think Skype + generic webcam support is a MUST HAVE for the Boxee Box!

I just bought mine and I'm a little disappointed it doesn't still have it...
Show
Simon C. added a comment - Hi think Skype + generic webcam support is a MUST HAVE for the Boxee Box! I just bought mine and I'm a little disappointed it doesn't still have it...
Hide
Permalink
Sonny Cano added a comment -
This is such an obvious marketing add, I just hope it's an easy technical on as well. I could get all my older family this as well JUST for that...Biscotti tv cam is $199 ALONE! Imagine a Boxee box with a ~$30 camera as well...
Show
Sonny Cano added a comment - This is such an obvious marketing add, I just hope it's an easy technical on as well. I could get all my older family this as well JUST for that...Biscotti tv cam is $199 ALONE! Imagine a Boxee box with a ~$30 camera as well...
Hide
Permalink
Eric Ellis added a comment -
this would be pretty cool.
Show
Eric Ellis added a comment - this would be pretty cool.
Hide
Permalink
Alvaro Munoz added a comment -
I hope to get Skype in my Boxee...

A streaming media device as Boxe should support Video Conference apps, like Skype.

Regards!
Show
Alvaro Munoz added a comment - I hope to get Skype in my Boxee... A streaming media device as Boxe should support Video Conference apps, like Skype. Regards!
Hide
Permalink
Christopher Scott added a comment -
This is a no-brainer. Skype is about to hit the living room in a big way this year and BB will be at a significant marketing disadvantage if it can't boast at least the same functionality as its competitors.
Show
Christopher Scott added a comment - This is a no-brainer. Skype is about to hit the living room in a big way this year and BB will be at a significant marketing disadvantage if it can't boast at least the same functionality as its competitors.
Hide
Permalink
Joseph Croft added a comment -
I purchased Boxee Box assuming it had Skype so I didn't have to connect my laptop to the TV every time. I consider four applications to be the starters for all middle age people (NetFlix, Skype, Hulu+, and YouTube). Please add Skype to Boxee Box.
Show
Joseph Croft added a comment - I purchased Boxee Box assuming it had Skype so I didn't have to connect my laptop to the TV every time. I consider four applications to be the starters for all middle age people (NetFlix, Skype, Hulu+, and YouTube). Please add Skype to Boxee Box.
Hide
Permalink
David Broiles added a comment -
HTML5 Video chat, Skype, Google Video Chat, etc... would be awesome. Looks like GoogleTV may be locked into using the Logitec Revue's video chat for a while and Sony is having to come out with their own Video chat product with GoogleTV.

Its a perfect time for both Boxee and Skype or Ericsson Labs HTML5 emerging Video Chat to gain ground over GoogleTV and the Revu, Roku, and whatever else there is out there.
Show
David Broiles added a comment - HTML5 Video chat, Skype, Google Video Chat, etc... would be awesome. Looks like GoogleTV may be locked into using the Logitec Revue's video chat for a while and Sony is having to come out with their own Video chat product with GoogleTV. Its a perfect time for both Boxee and Skype or Ericsson Labs HTML5 emerging Video Chat to gain ground over GoogleTV and the Revu, Roku, and whatever else there is out there.
Hide
Permalink
Bill Belsey added a comment -
i would love to see this app on boxee.
Show
Bill Belsey added a comment - i would love to see this app on boxee.
Hide
Permalink
Thomas added a comment -
I would welcome a native Skype support too much! That would lift the Boxee Box by all other media players.
Show
Thomas added a comment - I would welcome a native Skype support too much! That would lift the Boxee Box by all other media players.
Hide
Permalink
Kavian Moradhassel added a comment -
It'd be great if everyone could avoid putting in the "I want this!" style of comment, and instead just use the Voting feature above. Every comment is e-mailed out to the 44 watchers on this issue, which is fine for comments that add previously-unexplored requirements to the issue, and of course for comments from Boxee. But I think we can take it as a given that everyone would love this feature and wants it... :-)
Show
Kavian Moradhassel added a comment - It'd be great if everyone could avoid putting in the "I want this!" style of comment, and instead just use the Voting feature above. Every comment is e-mailed out to the 44 watchers on this issue, which is fine for comments that add previously-unexplored requirements to the issue, and of course for comments from Boxee. But I think we can take it as a given that everyone would love this feature and wants it... :-)
Hide
Permalink
haveringcottage added a comment -
This issue is awaiting review from Boxee Product Management.
If you are keen to have this feature implemented, please Comment and Vote for it.

---Kavian, who are you to tell us whether we should comment or not - Boxee staff have asked us to.

I do however agree that banter and non-technical commentary should be left in the forum.
Show
haveringcottage added a comment - This issue is awaiting review from Boxee Product Management. If you are keen to have this feature implemented, please Comment and Vote for it. ---Kavian, who are you to tell us whether we should comment or not - Boxee staff have asked us to. I do however agree that banter and non-technical commentary should be left in the forum.
Hide
Permalink
Chris Dale added a comment -
My wife likes to skype her parents out of province for free face to face chats it would be a great addition to the Boxee arsenal!! Vote Yes Please n Thank You.
Show
Chris Dale added a comment - My wife likes to skype her parents out of province for free face to face chats it would be a great addition to the Boxee arsenal!! Vote Yes Please n Thank You.
Hide
Permalink
Kavian Moradhassel added a comment -
All I said was that I preferred not to be spammed with every user's "me too please" comment, which really adds no more value to the actual issue than voting does. I guess I'll just have to stop watching this issue instead, since my request was immediately ignored. +1 for the interwebs.
Show
Kavian Moradhassel added a comment - All I said was that I preferred not to be spammed with every user's "me too please" comment, which really adds no more value to the actual issue than voting does. I guess I'll just have to stop watching this issue instead, since my request was immediately ignored. +1 for the interwebs.
Hide
Permalink
Iain added a comment -
yes, I for one was not aware that we could vote for an idea (this being the first time I've looked at the forums and wanted to support an idea) and so added my comments as I thought that counted as a +1. Ive now added my vote using the vote link (and added to the spam, sorry watchers). hopefully there are others like me and this nudges them to find the "vote" link and click it.
Show
Iain added a comment - yes, I for one was not aware that we could vote for an idea (this being the first time I've looked at the forums and wanted to support an idea) and so added my comments as I thought that counted as a +1. Ive now added my vote using the vote link (and added to the spam, sorry watchers). hopefully there are others like me and this nudges them to find the "vote" link and click it.
Hide
Permalink
Dan added a comment -
would love this - yes please. How about support for wifi video cameras too so we dont have to rely on USB
Show
Dan added a comment - would love this - yes please. How about support for wifi video cameras too so we dont have to rely on USB
Hide
Permalink
Ken Skar added a comment -
+1
To many tv's with built-in crappy Skype solutions out there would make this (yet) a nice selling point for the Boxee Box! Make it happen!
Show
Ken Skar added a comment - +1 To many tv's with built-in crappy Skype solutions out there would make this (yet) a nice selling point for the Boxee Box! Make it happen!
Hide
Permalink
John McAdams added a comment -
1 vote for me. Why does it take over a year of votes for management to make a decision to implement this. Hopefully it won't be as long as we are all waiting for 3tb support.
Show
John McAdams added a comment - 1 vote for me. Why does it take over a year of votes for management to make a decision to implement this. Hopefully it won't be as long as we are all waiting for 3tb support.
Hide
Permalink
Damon added a comment -
https://imo.im/

I just tried getting onto skype today with this browser based implementation of skype. It is able to connect calls and send text messages, but the part that allows the app to use a mic and webcam is flash based and for some reason doesn't show up on in the boxee browser.
I also suspect that even if that function were working in the boxee browser, I wouldn't be able to find a webcam or mic to connect to the usb ports that boxee would recognise.
Show
Damon added a comment - https://imo.im/ I just tried getting onto skype today with this browser based implementation of skype. It is able to connect calls and send text messages, but the part that allows the app to use a mic and webcam is flash based and for some reason doesn't show up on in the boxee browser. I also suspect that even if that function were working in the boxee browser, I wouldn't be able to find a webcam or mic to connect to the usb ports that boxee would recognise.
Hide
Permalink
Kaleem added a comment -
Please bring Skype support. My whole family is scattered all around the world and It would very nice to talk to them right from counch via Boxee.
Thanks,
Show
Kaleem added a comment - Please bring Skype support. My whole family is scattered all around the world and It would very nice to talk to them right from counch via Boxee. Thanks,
Hide
Permalink
Urban De Soua added a comment -
I bought the boxee box, it's cool and I like you to succeed apple, Microsoft and others. PLEASE implement Skype for boxee so I can conduct more formal living room video sessions with my family all over the globe. Where do I find out Boxee's priority in releasing Skype software?
Show
Urban De Soua added a comment - I bought the boxee box, it's cool and I like you to succeed apple, Microsoft and others. PLEASE implement Skype for boxee so I can conduct more formal living room video sessions with my family all over the globe. Where do I find out Boxee's priority in releasing Skype software?
Hide
Permalink
Fabry DC added a comment -
I agree, Skype must be part of the Boxee box, but at version 1.5.xxx not later.
The last time I inquired about this feature at Boxee, someone told me to contact Skype directly.
It would be useful for the Boxee community if the PM would do the contacting and place a priority on such a useful feature.
I definitely hope to see this feature (major omission) part of Boxee very soon.
BRW, the last Boxee upgrade was in March of 2012, when will the next upgrade come? Are we now going to version 2.0?

Show
Fabry DC added a comment - I agree, Skype must be part of the Boxee box, but at version 1.5.xxx not later. The last time I inquired about this feature at Boxee, someone told me to contact Skype directly. It would be useful for the Boxee community if the PM would do the contacting and place a priority on such a useful feature. I definitely hope to see this feature (major omission) part of Boxee very soon. BRW, the last Boxee upgrade was in March of 2012, when will the next upgrade come? Are we now going to version 2.0?
Hide
Permalink
prashant kadukar added a comment -
Plz make this app available on boxee.....it would be icing on the cake......
Show
prashant kadukar added a comment - Plz make this app available on boxee.....it would be icing on the cake......
Hide
Permalink
haveringcottage added a comment -
"Boxee upgrade" - that's a joke. what's been upgraded?
Show
haveringcottage added a comment - "Boxee upgrade" - that's a joke. what's been upgraded?
Hide
Permalink
DJ added a comment -
Yes if boxee is going to keep its market place it really needs to add skype to the apps with camera support.
Show
DJ added a comment - Yes if boxee is going to keep its market place it really needs to add skype to the apps with camera support.
Hide
Permalink
joe pica added a comment -
Please add Skype. Thank you
Show
joe pica added a comment - Please add Skype. Thank you
Hide
Permalink
Wim Swinkels added a comment -
Supporting Skype on the Boxee Box would be great !!! ;-)
Show
Wim Swinkels added a comment - Supporting Skype on the Boxee Box would be great !!! ;-)

People

  • Assignee:
    Yuval Tal [Boxee]
    Reporter:
    Giovani Spagnolo
Vote (176)
Watch (55)

Dates

  • Created:
    Updated: