While the new version of Skype (News - Alert) for Windows 8 might be getting some attention, Mac users aren’t being left out. The latest version of Skype, v.6, for PC and Mac, features integration with Facebook (News - Alert) Chat as well as retina display support for OS X users, providing an easier and higher quality user experience.

New Skype users can login using their Facebook or Microsoft (News - Alert) credentials, and add contacts directly from their Windows Live Messenger, Hotmail or Outlook.com contact lists. Microsoft account users will also receive support for the various chat services supported by Microsoft, such as the ability to make calls to Windows Live Messenger users from Skype.

Mac users will now have the ability to break chat conversations into different windows. PC users may have already had that option, but it’s a nice addition to the Mac version of Skype (and let’s avoid getting into a Mac vs PC debate over something as small as this, shall we?).

Those who have the latest version of Mac systems often rave about the quality of the retina display, so the latest Skype supporting it should be a pleasant treat for them. While Windows users may not get that, they will be able to enjoy the new features in Skype for Windows 8, many of which will be available to those who log in through their Microsoft credentials even without the latest Windows system.

As for its Facebook integration, that makes getting an account and getting connected all the easier. Facebook is being integrated with almost everything these days, acting like a single account for websites everywhere. Another video chat service, Blue Jeans, recently announced its integration with LinkedIn (News - Alert), although as Skype tends to be used for conversational chats as much as business ones, Facebook integration will likely suit its needs better.

Skype is still free to download and use, although there are premium services that one can pay for, as always. Those who do pay will receive voice calls to landlines, group video chats and live-chat support from Skype, while those who don’t will still receive quality text, video and voice chats.


Edited by Rachel Ramsey