Facebook to hook up with Skype: Reports
05 Jul 2011
Facebook is reported to be gearing up to launch a new video chat product that would be powered by Microsoft-owned Skype.
Analysts say, the move comes after Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg said last week that Facebook would have an "awesome" new feature for users on 6 July.
According to TechCrunch, which cited an insider with knowledge of the partnership, Facebook would launch a new Skype-based video chat product that works within the browser.
The product would also include a desktop component, all pointing at what TechCrunch describes as "deep integration" between Facebook and Skype.
But not everyone thinks this is what Facebooks' surprise offering is about. Tech news site, GigaOM reports that Facebook is partnering with music services, including Spotify and others.
CNET reported earlier today quoting music industry sources that Facebook and digital music service, Spotify have held discussions recently about integrating the music service into Facebook in a significant way.
According to analysts if the first report proves to be true, then the time of such a union would be interesting, given Microsoft announcing it would purchase Skype for $8.5 billion in May.
Microsoft already has been associated with Facebook. Microsoft's, Bing powers the dominant social network's search and the company also owns shares in the privately owned Facebook.