Skype buys Qik's mobile video-sharing software

Dubai: Qik's popular video sharing software on mobile phones has been acquired by Skype in a deal that is expected to be ratified this month.

Skype said in a statement that "Skype and Qik will focus on providing a richer, more integrated experience that will allow people globally to share experiences in real-time video across different platforms, as well as store those moments so they can be viewed anytime later."

"The Qik team has delivered exceptional video experiences for its mobile partners and millions of end users across a range of devices," said Tony Bates, Skype's chief executive officer.

"Skype's software enables an estimated 25 per cent of the world's international long-distance voice calling minutes, and approximately 40 per cent of those Skype-to-Skype calls are happening over video. Qik's deep engineering capabilities and strong mobile relationships will be an impressive complementary fit with Skype."