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Oct 14, 2010

Skype 5 Integrates Facebook Phonebooks, Makes Group Video Semi-Official

Windows: Skype is out with an official version 5, making the group video chat seen in previous sign-up betas an official option, and linking up with your Facebook account for status updating and quick calls to friends' Skype or landline numbers.

So this release, beyond the usual bug and performance fixes, mainly makes official the group video chat we found a bit wonky in a real-world test—although Skype still labels the group video function as "beta." The Facebook integration, at least from the contacts-with-Skype perspective, is pretty convenient. Now you just have to bug your friends to list their Skype names on Facebook.

New also to this version is an automatic call recovery feature, which you can set to automatically re-dial and reconnect calls whenever they drop out. It won't be a great idea for every situation, but very handy in the right circumstance.

Skype 5 is a free download for Windows users only. Presumably, Skype will push out the group video features to other clients, as it's a Windows-only feature at the moment.

61 comments:

  1. StyronOctober 14, 2010 at 2:30 PM

    not rlly into skype but might try it ;)

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  2. UnknownOctober 14, 2010 at 2:33 PM

    It seems really cool, Skype upgraded.
    Btw, I don't use Skype although I have an account.

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  3. DbankaiOctober 14, 2010 at 2:35 PM

    sweet i may install skype again just to check this out

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  4. LuigibombOctober 14, 2010 at 2:43 PM

    Skype looks like it is getting better now.

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  5. RatchOctober 14, 2010 at 2:46 PM

    have skype will try this out for myself

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  6. The BlizzardOctober 14, 2010 at 2:49 PM

    Thanks for the update! I immediately DL'd the update! <3

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  7. SlumphOctober 14, 2010 at 2:50 PM

    never used skype, quite cool though =D

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  8. AnonymousOctober 14, 2010 at 2:51 PM

    looks cool, I don't use facebook for this kind of thing but I'm sure it'll be useful to those that do.

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  9. grizzOctober 14, 2010 at 2:52 PM

    that's a good idea

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  10. http://starwars-stuff.blogspot.comOctober 14, 2010 at 2:59 PM

    really interesting development

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  11. wishbearOctober 14, 2010 at 3:16 PM

    Its about time Skype made multi video chat. Yay! :)

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  12. ElChristoOctober 14, 2010 at 3:21 PM

    I've never really gotten into skype, but might try it now

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  13. hldstdyOctober 14, 2010 at 3:22 PM

    this is awesome.

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  14. AnonymousOctober 14, 2010 at 3:33 PM

    I quite enjoy the update. :D

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  15. Ale-XOctober 14, 2010 at 3:41 PM

    Skype is the future

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  16. Boxer LambsOctober 14, 2010 at 3:53 PM

    skype is soooo weird!

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  17. razortekOctober 14, 2010 at 3:57 PM

    lol good bro!

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  18. Primarch SolyeuseOctober 14, 2010 at 4:06 PM

    Whoa, the timing of this is impeccable. I installed Skype about three days ago and was disappointed there wasn't group video chat- and then this happens! V. cool.

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  19. LizardOctober 14, 2010 at 4:15 PM

    i love skype. i used it all the time. going to check this out.

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  20. gloseyOctober 14, 2010 at 4:17 PM

    skype life

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  21. AnonymousOctober 14, 2010 at 4:25 PM

    Awesome!

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  22. UnlogicOctober 14, 2010 at 4:32 PM

    woooo ! thing with facebook is just brilliant ! :O

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  23. RezdenOctober 14, 2010 at 4:43 PM

    That's really cool. Don't know if I want to see what my friends are doing while on WoW though. Heard some stories.....

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  24. Sk8rjwdOctober 14, 2010 at 4:53 PM

    Awesome~!!!

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  25. Sk8rjwdOctober 14, 2010 at 4:53 PM

    Awesome~!!!

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  26. nickOctober 14, 2010 at 4:54 PM

    wow great news

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  27. Toliver EdgeOctober 14, 2010 at 5:08 PM

    You know, I've still never used Skype. In fact, I don't really know what it is. Guess I'm not too hip to the changing times, ha.

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  28. Jimmy VolmerOctober 14, 2010 at 5:31 PM

    everyone at work uses skype... I'm forced into it, but I like the new features

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  29. David DavidsonOctober 14, 2010 at 5:40 PM

    Ok, maybe I have a reason to try and use Skype now.

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  30. kokojestaOctober 14, 2010 at 5:41 PM

    CooooOOool, looking forward to it :)

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  31. Secret Guide to ShavingOctober 14, 2010 at 5:46 PM

    Im a big fan of skype. I use it frequently and am always impressed with people who have hundred dollar phone bills from making calls over seas..

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  32. Pope SmurfOctober 14, 2010 at 5:52 PM

    Is Facebook gonna be in everything?

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  33. ProOctober 14, 2010 at 5:58 PM

    that's actually kinda cool, I just have to give up my hatred for facebook.

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  34. My internet explortionOctober 14, 2010 at 6:01 PM

    I have always loved skype I like this alot can't wait for it.

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  35. The CockshinerOctober 14, 2010 at 7:13 PM

    Long distance circle jerk time!

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  36. Synthetic SoireeOctober 14, 2010 at 7:18 PM

    Oh hellz yeah. Group video chat looks sick

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  37. MattOctober 14, 2010 at 7:34 PM

    Cant wait to get it

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  38. fedor519October 14, 2010 at 7:42 PM

    Alot of my family uses skype. I personally dont but i think i might start checking it (got alot of family overseas).

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  39. AnonymousOctober 14, 2010 at 7:46 PM

    Looks awsesome! Skype is on the come up

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  40. Quinn ElectronicsOctober 14, 2010 at 7:51 PM

    I need to try this out

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  41. IndustrialHazeOctober 14, 2010 at 8:33 PM

    group video cool

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  42. UnknownOctober 14, 2010 at 8:51 PM

    First I've heard of this, so exciting! Been waiting for this.

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  43. Insurance Advice GuyOctober 14, 2010 at 9:16 PM

    yay skype

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  44. icøn¡cOctober 14, 2010 at 9:21 PM

    Group video chat? I gotta try it.

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  45. WillowOctober 14, 2010 at 9:23 PM

    Bout time a company was able to do it decently.

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  46. fat daddyOctober 14, 2010 at 9:51 PM

    I may have to reinstall to try this.

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  47. Nerd LifeOctober 14, 2010 at 10:18 PM

    I'll be installing this :)

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  48. BLUERADOctober 14, 2010 at 10:20 PM

    This is a big and bold move, but i think its the right one

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  49. CommskyOctober 14, 2010 at 10:41 PM

    It's about time they finally got group chat

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  50. jokerOctober 14, 2010 at 11:05 PM

    nice integrations.

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  51. 3milelimitOctober 15, 2010 at 12:35 AM

    I'm really looking forward to this, I can get it now on my PC, but my GF uses a mac, so I hope they come out with an update for that soon too.

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  52. What are you doing here.October 15, 2010 at 12:42 AM

    Great skype is growing!

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  53. AnonymousOctober 15, 2010 at 12:48 AM

    who are these guys lol

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  54. mirkOctober 15, 2010 at 1:21 AM

    skype really needs to get 64 bit linux support.

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  55. Telia TuliOctober 15, 2010 at 1:22 AM

    Skype is essential in this day and age of technologies

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  56. darkmanxOctober 15, 2010 at 2:21 AM

    skypes only getting better and better

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  57. AnonymousOctober 15, 2010 at 3:02 AM

    I love skype - and this is awesome!

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  58. NajOctober 15, 2010 at 3:16 AM

    i never use skype.

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  59. KartoffelnOctober 15, 2010 at 3:42 AM

    I guess I should try Skype

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  60. ArchivistOctober 15, 2010 at 5:39 AM

    skype is failing

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  61. KikinoOctober 15, 2010 at 9:33 AM

    now THAT's what ive been waiting for!

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