In late 2007, Skype joined forces with My Space, to allow Skype calling directly to your friends from My Space pages. And the union also gave Skype users the ability to add a MySpace account link in their Skype profile, so their Skype friends could easily click through to their MySpace profile page. But now Skype clearly has their eyes on the bigger fish, with their release of the beta version Skype 5.0, and their NEW union – with FACEBOOK.
The release this month of Skype 5.0 offers users the ability to add a Facebook Tab in their Skype account, so they can call fellow Facebook friends, chat with them, or send them an SMS. So good-bye to MySpace!
The Facebook news feed option shows almost the same info and details that one would see on Facebook. But if your Facebook friends have added their phone numbers to their Skype account you will see that underneath each status update there are two Skype buttons which stand out: SMS or Call.
This is a very handy feature to make it easier to communicate with your Facebook friends and colleagues. If you would like to try it for yourself (no MAC users yet – sorry): feel free to click on the image below:
You will notice other improvements to the new version of Skype like:
- a Free Trial of Group Video Calling (10-way)
- a new look to the layout of Skype
- your Skype profile can be displayed as “Public” or “Contacts Only”
- Offline Instant Messaging (this was great in Yahoo, and I’m glad it’s finally in Skype)
- Post-call Experience
I’m looking forward to using this new version of Skype. Next it would be great if Skype would release a Facebook app, where you could put a Skype tab on your Facebook Business page. Or does anyone know if this is already done? possible?
Here’s a little ditty from Skype:
Will you try the new Skype?
RT @abnormalmarket: New Skype allows Facebook Integration http://www.abnormalmarketing.com/2010/10… #blogboost
RT @abnormalmarket: New Skype allows Facebook Integration http://www.abnormalmarketing.com/2010/10… #blogboost
RT @abnormalmarket: New Skype allows Facebook Integration http://www.abnormalmarketing.com/2010/10… #blogboost
RT @abnormalmarket: New Skype allows Facebook Integration http://www.abnormalmarketing.com/2010/10… #blogboost
@abnormalmarket Great job. It was nice chatting with you yesterday.
Twitter: ckr_interactive
October 15, 2010 at 7:49 pm | Permalink
Great stuff… Facebook is definitely on the move… First Bing and now Skype. All great ideas and will definitely improve the social media world.
Twitter: fionamceachran
October 19, 2010 at 1:48 pm | Permalink
@Arthur, Hi Arthur, Yes, I think Facebook has big plans to make sure their future is cemented in our social networking lives. I wasn’t surprised to see their union with Skype. I think the Bing union was more of a surprise to me. It will be interesting to see what that new relationship will do for Bing. Thanks for your comment.
RT @abnormalmarket: New Skype allows Facebook Integration http://www.abnormalmarketing.com/2010/10… #blogboost
RT @abnormalmarket: New Skype allows Facebook Integration http://www.abnormalmarketing.com/2010/10… #blogboost
RT @abnormalmarket: New Skype allows Facebook Integration http://www.abnormalmarketing.com/2010/10…
RT @abnormalmarket: New Skype allows Facebook Integration http://www.abnormalmarketing.com/2010/10… #blogboost
RT @abnormalmarket: New Skype allows Facebook Integration http://www.abnormalmarketing.com/2010/10… #blogboost
I hadn’t heard this! Thanks for being my late breaking news source!! LOL
Twitter: melaniekissell
October 17, 2010 at 6:16 am | Permalink
This is great news, Fiona – I love the idea of syncing Skype with Facebook! I used to have a Skype account about two years ago but I didn’t really find much benefit in it at the time. To be honest, it was more of a nuisance with instant messages popping up all the time. But now that they’ve made some awesome changes, improvements, and enhancements, I think I might give Skype a try again.
Wonderful post!
Melanie
#blogboost
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Twitter: fionamceachran
October 19, 2010 at 1:51 pm | Permalink
@Melanie Kissell, Yes, I thought this news was pretty cool too… Skype has always been such an excellent internet product, and so helpful for businesses. I even like the Skype iPhone app I have. I can call anywhere in the whole using WIFI direct from my phone, and the rates are so much cheaper.
I was surprised when they joined forces with MySpace, but I’m not surprised they have now teamed up with Facebook.
It will be interesting to see what their next plans are…
RT @abnormalmarket: New Skype allows Facebook Integration http://www.abnormalmarketing.com/2010/10…
RT @abnormalmarket: New Skype allows Facebook Integration http://www.abnormalmarketing.com/2010/10… #blogboost
RT @abnormalmarket: New Skype allows Facebook Integration http://www.abnormalmarketing.com/2010/10… #blogboost
Thanks for the heads up. I haven’t tried Skype yet but I like to keep up with what’s going on so I know what to do next.
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