Skype has updated its desktop app for both the Mac and PC and now offers the option to make video calls via Facebook to your Facebook contacts, with the launch of Skype Beta 5.7 for Windows and Skype Beta 5.4 for Mac.
Initiating a Facebook-to-Facebook call from within Skype is quite easy; all you need to do is connect your Skype and Facebook accounts. Then, select a Facebook friend and hit the video call button in Skype- your friend simply picks up the call from Facebook. This new feature lets you maintain social connections with your Facebook friends and complements previously announced features such as being able to see when your Facebook friends are online, read their status updates and IM them all from Skype.
How to Connect Skype and Facebook Accounts
To take advantage of this new feature, you first need to connect your Skype and Facebook accounts. This process is straightforward and can be done within the Skype application itself. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Open Skype: Launch the Skype application on your Mac or PC.
2. Go to Settings: Navigate to the settings menu, usually found under the ‘Tools’ or ‘Preferences’ section.
3. Link Accounts: Look for an option to link your Facebook account. You will be prompted to log in to Facebook and grant Skype the necessary permissions.
4. Confirm Connection: Once your accounts are linked, you will see your Facebook friends list integrated into your Skype contacts.
This integration not only allows for video calls but also enables you to see your Facebook friends’ online status, read their status updates, and send instant messages directly from Skype. This seamless connectivity ensures that you can stay in touch with your social network without having to switch between different applications.
Benefits of Skype and Facebook Integration
The integration of Skype and Facebook brings several benefits to users, enhancing the overall communication experience. Here are some of the key advantages:
1. Unified Communication Platform: By combining Skype and Facebook, users can manage all their communications from a single platform. This unification reduces the need to juggle multiple apps and simplifies the process of staying connected with friends and family.
2. Enhanced Video Calling: Skype is renowned for its high-quality video calling capabilities. By extending these features to Facebook contacts, users can enjoy clear and reliable video calls with their social network, making virtual interactions more personal and engaging.
3. Real-Time Updates: With the integration, you can see real-time updates from your Facebook friends directly within Skype. This feature ensures that you are always up-to-date with your friends’ activities and can engage with them promptly.
4. Convenient Instant Messaging: The ability to send instant messages to Facebook friends from Skype adds another layer of convenience. Whether you want to share a quick update or have a detailed conversation, you can do so without leaving the Skype app.
5. Increased Social Connectivity: This feature is particularly beneficial for users who have a large number of contacts on Facebook. It allows them to leverage Skype’s robust communication tools to maintain and strengthen their social connections.
The update to Skype’s desktop app for Mac and PC, which includes the ability to make video calls to Facebook contacts, represents a significant enhancement in the way users can communicate. By linking Skype and Facebook accounts, users can enjoy a more integrated and efficient communication experience. Whether it’s for personal or professional use, this feature is set to make staying connected easier and more enjoyable.
You can find out more information about the Skype and Facebook video calls over at the [Skype Blog](https://blogs.skype.com/).
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.