Facebook unveils Skype video calling

[Jasonkoh82]

Facebook unveils Skype video calling
Extracted from The Straits Times

PALO ALTO (California) - FACEBOOK added Skype video calling on Wednesday in the face of a direct challenge from powerhouse rival Google in the social networking arena.

'We think this is awesome because we're using the best technology that's out there for doing video chat with the best social infrastructure that's out there,' said Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg.

The new Skype feature comes with improved group text chat which allows for multi-person conversations and a camera icon that can be clicked on for instant one-on-one video calls with friends. Speaking to reporters at Facebook headquarters in Palo Alto, Mr Zuckerberg said he 'wouldn't rule out' group video calls at Facebook in the future but that the 'vast majority' of video conversations are one-on-one.

Google+, which the Internet search giant launched last week, includes a group video calling feature called 'Hangouts' which has proved popular among early users.

Mr Zuckerberg said plans to add Skype to Facebook began before Microsoft announced in May that it was buying the Internet voice and video leader for US$8.5 billion (S$10.4 billion). He portrayed online social networking as being at a point where its momentum is unstoppable and said Facebook's focus is now on fun or functional software applications that can be built on its platform.

'There is this clear arc where the world generally believes (social networking) is going to be everywhere,' Mr Zuckerberg said. 'In a matter of time it will be billions, whether it is us or somebody else doing it.' -- AFP

Source
http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking...ry_688037.html

[TheSurgeon]

I was never interested in social networks, but I think I'll try this feature and let you know how it works. Thank you enjoy the day!

[Jeroensky]

Keep in mind that you lose privacy a lot.
Skype (Microsoft) will collect all you say, and that connected to your facebook account will be a huge userprofile of you.

better is to use all those services separately, so not in facebook.

[paul_au]

I will stick to my Yahoo messenger. So why has skype taken over from other video calling systems, is it any better.

[TheSurgeon]

Well said good point. Unfortunately we always have to be on guard, my door is always open but hackers,spies and thieves beware you won't get past the dogs! I delete registry keys everyday,I never click on any links and I will not click on any ads they do not deserve to get paid there nickels and dimes for each hit!

Always have the courage to convey your thoughts and feelings, but always be considerate of others thoughts and feelings.

There is enough pie for everyone.

[TheSurgeon]

I think Skype has just very aggressive marketing partnering there software with all the TV,cell phone and computer companies I don't think there any better but almost any of these items you buy come with there software prioritized. Follow the money trail!