Skype with Facebook integration and group video calling
We’re excited to announce a brand new version of Skype for Windows, which will help bring you and your friends, family and co-workers together like never before. Download it now, or read on to find out what’s inside.
We’ve integrated the Facebook News Feed and Phonebook into Skype, making it easier to stay connected with the people and communities you care about. We’ve revitalised the look and feel, making voice and video calling, instant messaging, screen sharing and file sharing intuitive and easy to navigate. And you can now bring even more of your family and friends together with the new group video calling feature available in open beta.
With Facebook integration, you can:
- see your Facebook News Feed in Skype
- post status updates that can be synced with your Skype mood message
- comment and like friends’ updates and wall posts
- call and SMS your Facebook friends on their mobile phones and landlines
- make a free Skype-to-Skype call if your Facebook friend is also a Skype contact
Video calling accounted for approximately 40% of all Skype-to-Skype minutes in the first half of this year, and with the new version of Skype, you’ll receive a free trial of group video calling in beta. We’ve added a dynamic group video calling view, which it easy to follow who’s talking by moving the focus to the person speaking on the call – try it out!
We’ve also continued our drive to further improve call quality, and the new version of Skype introduces automatic call recovery, which helps you reconnect calls that are interrupted due to Internet connection problems. Plus, the call quality manager gauges audio and video quality during calls, helping you to resolve problems and improving the call experience.
Finally, the new Skype Home serves as the dashboard for your Skype experience, with a feed of mood messages from your contacts, and tutorials on everything from how to make a video call to how to sign up for a subscription.
Download the new version now – and carry on talking 
For those of you who are Mac users: we intend to release an update to our Mac app soon.
seofeed commented Thursday, Oct 14
Ok guys getting ridiculous how far behind the MAC version is. I understand it's a smaller user base but we're way way behind
cloud_dany commented Thursday, Oct 14
And for Linux!? C'mon we're still on version 2.1 (BETA) and windows has version 5!, did you forget abount OpenSource or What? We are obliged to use windows? No!, please answer me and say if something is moving for Linux too!
emiltorp commented Thursday, Oct 14
Come on, Skype! The features are really great but the lack of Mac news is embarrassing! We also want a cleaner interface, group calling and a better experience overall.
gadware commented Thursday, Oct 14
Guys, that's great. But. Are there any plans on new skype versions for mac?
chuck.dascalos commented Thursday, Oct 14
Clicking the link above takes me to the Skype 4.2 download. Should be Skype 5.0 right?
xazac1987 commented Thursday, Oct 14
Has Skype for Mac OS X died? Why don't you update it anymore? It works bad, it looks old, its functionalities are crappy and very limited. R.I.P. Skype for Mac OS X.
aleksey.palazhchenko commented Thursday, Oct 14
Really, Mac and Linux versions are far behind. Not good.
robin.dindayal commented Thursday, Oct 14
The "Download it now" link points to Skype 4.2, does anybody have the correct link to download this new version of Skype? Skype 5.0...
peterparkes commented Thursday, Oct 14
To those of you having download problems – our web servers are still synchronising, so you may see a page labelled with v4.2. Click the download link and you will, in fact, get the new version
soulatrium commented Thursday, Oct 14
The title was exciting because it said nothing about windows exclusivity on the new release. I guess us Mac users are going to have to continue to wait...
jubairsaidi commented Thursday, Oct 14
This is great and all... but in all seriousness there has to be a better sync of the Windows version and OS X version of the software... One good example is the lack of a Business version of Skype for OS X (while it's available for Windows). I love Skype, all of my phone numbers both business and personal are through Skype, but I would really appreciate better OS X support, especially a launch of a business version for OS X. I could really use the features to make my work and Skype experience more streamlined.
s.l.french commented Thursday, Oct 14
I really do love Skype, and they are doing a lot of great stuff. I've suggested you for years. But I really think you need to start syncing what you do cross-platform. That means what you do on Windows should happen for your Mac and Linux users. I know it's not as easy going cross system, but I think it would really help y'all.
anti-rsca commented Thursday, Oct 14
Very, very nice implementation!
But there's an issue with this... I have 2 facebook account, one for private use and one for professional use. With the one I'm signed in on Chrome and the other i'm signed in on Opera. When I want to connect with Skype on my Facebook account, it connects with the account on Opera, which I do not want offcourse. Could the be resolved in another version?
Grtz
adeliaandandrew commented Thursday, Oct 14
Skype doesn't care about Mac and Linux users. Doesn't matter if we pay them $$$ for credit or not, the service is shameful.
I guess we just have to make do with our basic Skype-lite releases and suck it up.
peterparkes commented Thursday, Oct 14
A new version of Skype for Mac OS X is coming soon – stay tuned!
gerry.whiteley commented Thursday, Oct 14
Why can I not import my e mail from Rogers YAHOO to Skype and when I enter individual addresses, Skype can't find them. Something is not setup right
mr.mariusz.d commented Thursday, Oct 14
when a new version on linux systems? and whether it will be finally changed in appearance and function?
seanvedell commented Thursday, Oct 14
We need a Mac version update too!!!!
I love the new features on my PC version of Skype. However, the Mac version is ancient and featureless. Sure there aren't as many of us out there but ignoring the Mac user base is a huge mistake. Mac users are always on the cutting edge and your Mac client for Skype should be too. At least some kind of post about when Mac users can expect an upgrade would be nice. People only hate one thing more than bad news and that's no news at all. Give us Mac users a little bit of information on when we can expect an update to the Mac version of Skype, please. Much appreciated.
hillboy8 commented Thursday, Oct 14
This is indeed some good news. Have been trying to get my contacts to move from MSN to Skype. It's an uphill battle, but with Facebook integration, this may be easier. Two things come to my mind:
1. Why is Facebook chat not included as part of the Facebook Connect integration? Is it slated for a later release? Just being able to call phone numbers listed in a contacts profile seems a limited use of what has great potential.
2. How about free voicemail? Allowing users to not only call their friends from Facebook, but also to leave them voicemail would drive adoption of Skype through the roof. Then Skype could garner more revenue through Skype credits or calling plans from those users who want to use Skype to call their Facebook friends' phone numbers.
nikolay.gorylenko commented Thursday, Oct 14
Guys, check "Help"-> "About Skype".
If you have 5.0.0.123 - then your verions is 5, but "beta".
Facebook tab appeared in 5th "final" verison, which is 5.0.0.152
So, have fun
michael-hofmann commented Thursday, Oct 14
Just installed the new version.
Why am I seeing my own webcam image mirrored, and how can I change that back to normal?!?
(Changed it temporarily in the webcam settings themselves, but then the callee saw the mirrored image.)
overworked554 commented Thursday, Oct 14
Yeah no Mac version for this big Facebook roll out? Disappointing. Slightly off topic, but still no video calling on iPhone 4 client either. Yahoo beat you to mobile video. YAHOO!!! The dysfunctional misfits beat you at your own game. Very sad.
akinkaraman commented Thursday, Oct 14
Skype has a very bad and ridiculas Mac app. I don't know why Skype doesn't make it better like windows. I thing Skype programmers are very lazy. No good Mac app, No iPad app, No supporting video calls on iPhones. I am gonna hate you Skype.
praeluceo commented Thursday, Oct 14
Please update the Linux version, it is really out of date and we use it heavily! We appreciate the work you put into Skype, but features should eventually make it to other platforms other than Windows, and right now Linux has stagnated with zero development!
kurtextrem commented Thursday, Oct 14
Can i upload the Google Chrome Extension to Extension Gallery? chrome.google.com/extensions Maybe so it will be more public 
Or you wanna upload it?
ssorgatem commented Thursday, Oct 14
A shame. I think at least Mac and linux versions should be merged to have a single Qt application to develop (Qt is crossplatform). It could even share codebase for a new Symbian skype client based on Qt (if you want to have an app for the upcoming Symbian^4 it will have to be in Qt).
I'm not even talking about open-sourcing it (which would make it go as default in all linux distros, would hhave a lot of free developers and you would still earn money with credits), but non-windows versions should be treated with a little more love. I'm not even asking for a 64-bit version (a simple rebuild...).
I think it's time to find skype alternatives.
ebay.hinkledorf commented Thursday, Oct 14
I can't get 5.0, it still downloads 4.2. I have seen other comments saying "dont worry, it is really 5.0" but none of the new features are available? What is going on?
chrismatlak3.14 commented Thursday, Oct 14
Where are the updates for the Mac? Otherwise, this isn't news
mikeymike commented Friday, Oct 15
Have you ever paid attention to the most successful and highly valued company in the world? That's right. That would be Apple and Apple's user base keeps evangelizing everything that is hot on the Apple. Well Skype sucks on the Apple and I will keep telling the world how much Skype sucks for not supporting the Mac.
reddcroww commented Friday, Oct 15
Where is the update for Linux?? I am a paying member. Sykpe for Linux is missing many features including Voicemail!
kiwiwarrens commented Friday, Oct 15
The download page says 5.0, but the download is still 4.2 (either by running it or by looking in Properties). I'm in New Zealand if that helps your troubleshooting.
wkbb_lanico commented Friday, Oct 15
YEAH; it'd be great to have Multiple Video Conference especially for my VPodcasting! =D
Keep at it SKYPE
jlc851 commented Friday, Oct 15
it upsets me so much that windows users get all the skype updates... im thinking about leaving skype all together and go to oovoo.... come on dammit give us mac users something
kirkyturky commented Friday, Oct 15
Please update (or give a timeframe est) for Mac.
iPad/iPhone too!
The Mac App looks nicer than the Windows (including new version) but has crazy-less features...
lehmann-christian commented Friday, Oct 15
So, and what is with Skype for Linux? I think the project is dead. Questions about Skype for Linux will be ignored, no answers, nothing. The Linux Skype Blog is bad old. It seems to be simple to ignore all questions about a new Linux Version instead of to build a new version for Linux or answer some questions. Congratulation for that!
kunaal123 commented Friday, Oct 15
Yeah it's great, but hellooooo. Where is the MAC version? We are your customers too and I top up my skype regularly to call friends and family, you alienating me is not going to make me want to spend more money with skype.
yusuf_hj commented Friday, Oct 15
Seriously.. WTF ? Everyday I just keep on hearing about updates to Windows skype version. What about the mac version ? Adobe ignored the mac platform for long and see where it landed... It is about time you guys wake up !!
edbradburn commented Friday, Oct 15
Lucky that registered users such as myself can deactivate the facebook tab.
Otherwise, I'd have cancelled my account and gone looking for an alternative to Skype.
Clue to Skype developers: a) not everyone thinks the sun shines out of Zuckerberg's behind and b) it is not a "major" feature upgrade if you integrate an existing platform.
"4.3_plus_time-wasting_integration_of privacy-abusing_data_marketing_service" would have been a more accurate (if longer) release title.
sue.johnson.yes commented Friday, Oct 15
I'm having problems syncing with Facebook - won't recognise my password. Anyone else having the same problem? Please add me to your skype if you can help.
zegalo_150 commented Friday, Oct 15
Why is not there skype 5 for linux / mac?
The ideal would be to develop Skype for both platforms: Windows, Mac and Linux!
Why is the linux / mac is so discriminated in that respect? Why only windows have updates for skype ?
Skype 2.x for Linux / Mac is the last century, old, unattractive-looking 
There is not even 3 or 4 skype for linux / mac!
This is unfortunate!
There will be a new version for Linux / Mac?
allanburton1234 commented Friday, Oct 15
I've just installed the latest version of Skype v5 on Windows 7 64 bit and it mostly works, the facebook integration is quite nice. However, what doesn't work any more is my web cam. It's integrated into my HP Laptop, and used to work perfectly in v4.2. I'm now getting an error saying "Can't start video renderer, check you have a valid directx installation" and then the light turns on for my webcam and the person on the other side can see me, but I can't see myself in my own preview window. I think there are some device driver issues that need to be tidied up here (this all worked perfectly in v4.2)
kuxi666 commented Friday, Oct 15
The new video conferences are pretty cool. Please keep them for free after beta! Would rellay appreciate it!
laila.quza commented Friday, Oct 15
Does this new version have SHARE ..... please please where is it?
teulu.kelly commented Friday, Oct 15
Just downloaded and installed skype for windows and tried to add contacts. I am rather shocked that there is no support for importing addresses from thunderbird. Why on earth not?
claudiosanga commented Friday, Oct 15
Is there the possiblity to avoid that Skype 5 connects to Facebook?
markuszeller.com commented Friday, Oct 15
Oh no! Why putting that social crap?
I want Skype to be lightweight messenger and not a killer application. What's coming next? Twitter and all the other most liked platforms?!
NO, please kick that!
omni.wolf commented Friday, Oct 15
While unsupported (and untested), you could try running Skype 5.0 through DarWINE for OS X and through WINE for Linux.
simontek27 commented Friday, Oct 15
Hello, i always tested all Beta versions you shared and i have a good feeling with this last one but for several years i made always the same requests and they weren't accepted i think
here my wish list
1)i'd like to see contact categories, to make skype looks like MSN or ICQ or QQ.
2)UI could be a little bit better if you put a "hide" option and or scroll button for the right side of the window
3)custom ringtones for each contact
4)Outlook contacts integration
5)Services integration (not only facebook, but for example, wordpress, myspace and so on..
thankyou so much i hope this message is readed
see you
johnskrob commented Saturday, Oct 16
I'm using Skype in Argentina and the latest version 5.0 is HORRIBLE in establishing phone calls to landlines and mobile phones. It connects, you hear weird background noises, it charges you, but no coming through. Been trying it now over and over and the problem stays. I've been using Skype for years now successfully so it's definitely not a lack in knowledge in how to use it correctly. Seems this version is not ripe yet. Anyone with similiar problems? Any solutions?
lorsconsulting commented Saturday, Oct 16
Something has gone very wrong with the Skype video input processor in rev 5! Please fix it.
Back in the days of rev 4.x, I could use my 'Sony DV Device' as my video input and/or my video capture card. When I 'upgraded to version 5 beta, neither worked and I had to use ManyCam software to capture my camcorder and route it to Skype. Now that version 5 has been officially released, ManyCam no longer works. So now Skype is worthless on my desktop PC, since no video source (DV/ManyCAM/capture card) will work anymore.
lorsconsulting commented Saturday, Oct 16
Something has gone very wrong with the Skype video input processor in rev 5! Please fix it.
Back in the days of rev 4.x, I could use my 'Sony DV Device' as my video input and/or my video capture card. When I 'upgraded to version 5 beta, neither worked and I had to use ManyCam software to capture my camcorder and route it to Skype. Now that version 5 has been officially released, ManyCam no longer works. So now Skype is worthless on my desktop PC, since no video source (DV/ManyCAM/capture card) will work anymore.
sashmill commented Saturday, Oct 16
I am a conscientious objector to Facebook. Is it possible to opt out of being included on their database (I have not downloaded this new version). If not, then I might have to terminate my Skype account (which would be regrettable since I find the functionality extremely useful).
vanessa.mum commented Sunday, Oct 17
why do you have to pay for skype..when its suppose to be free???? not happy...my son told me it was for free but the still charged me $70.00 not happy i think i got ripped off...concered customer...
dkeats commented Monday, Oct 18
One more Linux user wishing Skype would put more effort into the Linux version
steven.parsloe commented Monday, Oct 18
I just read many messages above asking for a Mac upgrade for Skype. I just wanted to let you know what InnerPass has a Mac application on Skype and it'll allow you to create groups of your contacts and you can click to call the group. InnerPass also allows you to launch screen sharing with one or many as well. Contact me if you have any issues or quetions regardings this. Or just go to https://www.innerpass.com/home/product-plans/free-trial.aspx and scroll to the bottom and click on the mac download button on the far right. Good luck and let us know if this works for you.
Regards, Steve sparsloe@innerpass.com
simplymememe commented Tuesday, Oct 19
Whilst I agree with most of the comments relating to the lack of "updates" for Mac And Linux users (I am one of the latter) - I have to say I am happy I do not have to endure allowing any kind of "integration" to this abhorrent social wart (FB) in order to "update" my software. Why not make this kind of thing opt-in, or, at least, even opt-out?!?! We are not all mindless sheep, you know!
manuellevi commented Thursday, Oct 21
Really, when is the Linux version updated? People are using Linux and Mac more and more, are you trying to lose those clients? Do it!
Competitors will see this and start developing better clients for Linux, faster, more useful and complete than Skype is right now. Even I am searching for other VoIP clients right now running on Linux.
feke88 commented Saturday, Oct 23
Mac and Linux users are discriminated... ? Realy? Then what about us WM users? We have version 3 only and it seems, that there won't be ever an upgrade to newer version. And? Who cares? I'm happy that I have Skype for WM. You're always just suffering.. This is the problem with a lot of people. You should say "Thank you!" for the (FREE) Skype app that You have that they made for You, not allways just "Give me, give me!!". Where are You living? Come back to the Earth, or just wake up. You're not kings who can give orders to anyone.. So, to be the first one, Thank You developers, for making Skype for WM without asking any kind of money for it from the users!
laikinasandrius commented Tuesday, Oct 26
Skype, come on. Stop your bullshit. Get your act together.
Why there are no updates for Linux and Mac?
Why do you have this blog if you never post any answers to questions?
How about hiring a person who would communicate with blog readers?
aubron2 commented Wednesday, Oct 27
Was ecstatic to see that you all had finally implemented group video calls. I then saw that we're going to have to pay for them. Time to move on and try and find some other software. It is no more stress on you as a company to have group calling, it's P2P connections.
henric_intelliweb commented Wednesday, Oct 27
I would like to see how many percent of Skype users use a Mac.
Pretty ridiculous to ignore the Mac community like this. If you'd done your homework you'd know that it's a rapidly growing community with the most willing-to-pay customers.
This new version better rock.
frankglenski commented Thursday, Oct 28
Using Win XP with ver 5.0.0.152 over a network that varies from 56Kbs to as slow as 5KBs! The new version 5 keeps disconnecting me when the network slows down momentarily (for 30 seconds or so). The old version 4.?? would just clip voice for awhile and then would be fine. PLEASE can you let ME choose whether I want to disconnect or not instead of forcing me to with a "you appear to be disconnected" message. This is also affecting the games (bowling) I play which used to just freeze for awhile and now disconnect.. I suspect this is a timeout setting somewhere within SKYPE however I could not find a setting in Tools / Options / Advanced / Connection. I would greatly appreciate it if you could add a "Network Disconnected after xx seconds" setting with a "00=Never" setting which would turn off this timeout. Thank you.
p.s. For blog monitor only: I tried to find somewhere else to post this (like a support or release 5 problems blog ) and was not successful.
sheenagh17 commented Thursday, Oct 28
Skype 5.0 SUCKS.
I don't give a darn about Facebook because I DON'T use that, and the new skype is just ugly, looks like yahoo messenger !!! I use skype for work !!! Sometimes Facebook is even prohibited by some Companies who may use skype for communicating with employees. Have you thought of that?
I downgraded to 3.8.
laikinasandrius commented Saturday, Oct 30
when you will deliver the same functionality to linux skype? mac?
could you hire a person who could really give answers to blog readers, if you don't have time?
skype_tsirko commented Monday, Nov 1
I will not request my friends to give their numbers to facebook. I am a facebook user but you should know what to share on facebook. Facebook leaks our info.
tseten98 commented Monday, Nov 29
i hate this new facebook integration thing.. bring back the good old skype...
ronnie.ganguly1 commented Tuesday, Dec 14
I removed the facebook app by mistake. Does anyone know if i can reinstall it? Thanks so much
peterparkes commented Tuesday, Dec 14
@ronnie.ganguly1 just click on the Facebook tab again – you’ll be invited to reconnect your accounts
wozzlewilliams commented Wednesday, Dec 15
Ooh, Skype 5.0 sucks so hard! I've been trying for three days to install it and use it and have been failing!
It is too big and not reasonable that it can't be resized.
And it just doesn't freakin' work! (Even with nice suggestions from the support team, I just cannot get the damn thing to install and work!)
I've happily gone back to version 4.2 which works just fine. Please, if it aint broke, don't fix it!
yodetta commented Wednesday, Mar 2
I think this is a terrible feature. What if I use skype for work purposes and then I'm continuously getting facebook feeds that are distracting. Plus I don't need everyone in the office to see my facebook feeds pop up on my screen as I'm using skype. Finally, for those more serious corporations that block facebook an integration with skype means that I cannot launch my skype and get it to work properly. I think we should have an option as to weather we want to integrate skype with facebook or any other social network. This is why they are called SOCIAL networks...cuz they are meant to be kept out of the office.
alex.perinich commented Thursday, Mar 31
easy yodetta! you have two profiles, one for business, the other for pleasure.
and any cross-over, well you can add your friends to both. not so hard
jeffburdges commented Wednesday, Apr 6
I'm fairly unhappy with skype's new layout on the mac.
* There is no reason for the primary skype window to be so large except when actually video chatting or typing.
* It's extremely inconvenient to pull up the little transparent buddy list overlay because the button only appears.
* You cannot leave the transparent buddy list overlay active for long because skype keeps it on top of your other windows.
I'll still continue using skype regularly because some long distance family members, but I will no longer leave any skype window unhidden when not in use. And I'll more frequently simply shut down skype. In other words, I'll see friends online in my other chat programs, and thus think to talk to them, but I will not think about skype contacts nearly so often.
I've already noticed two profound changes in my behavior. First, I'll now almost always chat with friends who use both skype and another IM client in the other client, that wasn't true a couple months ago. Second, I've made almost no skype out calls over the last month, using google almost exclusively instead.