Skype update improves Facebook integration on Windows, Mac

Published October 29, 2012 11:41am

Videoconferencing service Skype just got even more social, updating its app for Windows and Mac platforms to allow tighter integration with Microsoft and Facebook accounts.

In a blog post, Skype said this allows easier sign up and sign-in into Skype using a Microsoft or Facebook account, such that is "no need to create a new Skype account."

"This makes it even easier to connect with friends on Skype without having to set up another account," it said.

Skype also said version 6.0 of its app allows instant messaging to Windows Live Messenger, Hotmail and Outlook.com contacts.

Microsoft had officially acquired Skype in October 2011.

"If you use a Microsoft account today, merging your accounts is easy - just sign in to Skype with your Microsoft account," it said.

On the other hand, it said it is working on a new feature that will also allow audio and video calls to contacts on Windows Live Messenger.

Meanwhile, Skype said its client for Windows has been localized to six more languages - Thai, Croatian, Slovenian, Serbian, Catalan and Slovak - "bringing the total languages Skype supports to 38."

It also said the Skype UI, including the instant messaging and SMS areas, had been refreshed and flattened with a simpler and less cluttered look.

Skype also said it removed the online user counter at the bottom of the Skype Contacts list to unclutter the UI and make more space for friends within the contacts list.

"When you change your profile picture, we will now show you all of your previous Skype profile pictures so you don't have to look through old files if you want to use a previous image," it added.

As for Mac users, Skype said its newest app has Retina Display Support, allowing "improved usability and of higher resolution screens."

However, it said there are some issues on Mac OS X Mountain Lion, where the profile image picker does not work as expected. — TJD, GMA News

Tags: skype, facebook, microsoft, microsoftwindows, apple