Skype, one of the most popular video calling programs, is working on three-dimensional video calling, but the project will have to go on the shelf until camera and video capture technology can catch up.
In an interview with BBC News, Microsoft's Skype vice president Mark Gillett discussed the potential for 3D calling on the popular video chat and instant-messaging service. He said that the potential for the technology exists and that his team knows how to implement it. However it would be useless to roll out now as the technology to run it is not yet commonplace in people's homes.
"We've done work in the labs looking at the capability of 3D-screens and 3D-capture," the senior executive said. "We've seen a lot of progress in screens and a lot of people now buy TVs and computer monitors that are capable of delivering a 3D image. But the capture devices are not yet there."
Gillet went on to explain that in order for 3D video calling to take place, multiple cameras would have to be added to a computer system that were precisely calibrated and pointed at the right angles to take suitable images for a 3D projection. Skype's research and development teams have been working on the technology and Gillet claims they know how to make the system work. The only thing holding them back is the current ecosystem of devices that can support the technology necessary to make it work.
With places like the BBC and Disney's ESPN, CNET points out that the direction of people's interest in 3D technology is going down. This does not present a bright picture of the future of video calling. In essence, the list of things that will receive 3D capabilities is limited to TVs and other devices. It will be a while before anyone puts 3D calling at the top of their priority list.
