New Skype for Windows gets Facebook integration, group video calls

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) client Skype announced the release of Skype version 5.0 and along with it the ability to call and text friends on Facebook plus group video calling.

"When you install the new Skype version 5.0 for Windows and sign in with Facebook, you can easily call or SMS your friends," wrote Facebook's Ethan Beard in an October 14 blog post.

"You also can check out your News Feed, update your status, and like and comment on posts directly within Skype."

The new Skype for Windows provides access to group video calling (in beta), a feature that has been much requested by both business and individual users.

According to Skype, video calling accounted for around 40 percent of all Skype-to-Skype calls in the first half of 2010.

In August Google added telephone capabilities to its web-based applications in the US. The service was an instant hit with users, racking up more than one million calls in its first 24 hours.

To download the latest version of Skype for Windows visit: http://www.skype.com/intl/en/get-skype/on-your-computer/windows/