Skype 5.5 integrates even more Facebook features 

Monday, June 20 2011 by Mark Richards

Skype 5.5 Beta will see the voice over internet protocol (VoIP) service integrate more Facebook features, including the ability instant message with friends on the social networking site.

Although this will not be available through Facebook itself, a Facebook Contacts tab will be made available to users of Skype to help them more easily communicate with each other.

The revelation comes after months of speculation that the VoIP company will be making video calling available in collaboration with Facebook - a move that would no doubt have proved a breakthrough for both companies. However, this has yet to come to fruition, and has yet to be confirmed by either internet firm.

Skype integrated Facebook into version 5.0 of its software programme last year, which enables users to check news feeds and post status updates on the social networking site.

The ability to add Facebook 'Like' status updates through Skype has also been included in the latest beta version of the VoIP software.

Skype was recently acquired by Microsoft, which purchased the service for a princely $8.5 billion. The agreement laid to rest any rumours that Facebook would be buying Skype and also threw into doubt the potential for much closer collaboration between the two companies.

Earlier this month, Skype announced plans to expand its VoIP offering through internet service provider ComCast, enabling customers to make Skype video calls through their HD televisions, PCs and smartphones.

Skype chief executive Tony Bates explained: "By combining Comcast's broad living room reach with Skype's innovative communications platform and worldwide community of users, we can bring video calling into the heart of the home allowing people to share life's experiences both big and small."

Living Streams "Improving clients' profitability through better use of the internet".

Source: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-20072583-17/skype-delivers-deeper-facebook-integration/