Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Computing
  3. News

Skype software update adds Skype-to-Facebook calls

Mike Flacy
By
Facebook-Skype-launch-page
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Announced on the official Skype blog earlier today, the communications company released new versions of Skype for both Mac and Windows that include the ability to connect to Facebook. After installing Skype 5.4 Beta for Mac or Skype 5.7 Beta for Windows, users can click the Facebook icon on the left side of the screen and authorize Skype to access Facebook data through the Facebook Connect button. However, users have to agree to release a bevy of information from Facebook in order to activate the Facebook functionality. The software brings in the Facebook feed of both previous Skype contacts as well as all Facebook friends. Similar to the Facebook feed, users can like updates from friends in addition to reading or adding new comments on previous status updates.

skype ipadThe implementation of Facebook Connect includes regular text chatting as well as video chat. When a call is placed through the Skype software, the user on Facebook can accept the call and a video chat window pops-up on the Facebook screen. Ideally, this will eventually allow Facebook users to place calls to anyone running an active version of Skype rather than being logged into Facebook at the time. Other updates to the software include group sharing with a premium subscription for Windows users and video rendering for users of the Mac version. Group screen sharing allows users to show each other screenshots, definitely helpful when attempting to perform remote tech support for family or clients.

Recommended Videos

Just last month, Microsoft completed the acquisition of Skype for an estimated $8.5 billion. Microsoft is expected to integrate the Windows Phone platform with Skype and will likely include Skype within Microsoft’s upcoming social network called Soci. The social network is expected to include video chatting capability that creates a video chatting “party” between friends.  

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Mike Flacy
Mike Flacy
Contributing Editor
By day, I'm the content and social media manager for High-Def Digest, Steve's Digicams and The CheckOut on Ben's Bargains…
Facebook’s Messenger Rooms goes global to take on Zoom
facebooks messenger rooms goes global to take on zoom facebook

Facebook has launched Messenger Rooms globally.

The rollout of its Zoom-like videoconferencing service follows a limited release at the end of last month.

Read more
Loom tips and tricks
lenovo-laptop-yoga-slim-7-14-amd-subseries

Given the increasingly digital environment that content creators, businesses, and educators must contend with, having reliable video recording software that is easy to use is crucial. Whether you work as part of a distributed network of global employees, want to provide a video for your online class, or are just looking to send a video to a friend or loved one, Loom has what you need.

But you can go beyond the basics to make it even better. Here are some great Loom tips and tricks to really augment your experience.

Read more
Skype wants to be your videoconferencing tool of choice
skype video group mobile pc chat

Videoconferencing tools are exploding in popularity due to the global outbreak of coronavirus, officially called COVID-19, which has lead huge numbers of people to start remote working for the first time. Zoom has gotten most of the attention, both as an invaluable tool for video meetings and due to criticism of some of its security measures. But Microsoft's Skype is trying to make up the difference, reminding users of features which should make it more appealing to users who want to set up a quick and easy meeting, especially for those meeting with others who don't want to install yet another app.

Zoom has not only had problems with hackers crashing meetings in what has been termed "zoombombing." Its recently updated privacy policies have also come under fire. Earlier this week, experts criticized Zoom's new privacy policy saying that it did not address the root concerns that Zoom may be sharing private data with companies like Google. And people have reason to be skeptical of Zoom, given that it was recently revealed that the iOS app was sending data to Facebook without permission and that the Mac installer for the Zoom software worked in a shady and potentially dangerous way.

Read more