Facebook, Skype in VOIP talks

Bloomberg.

The two companies first discussed integrating Skype services into the world's biggest social network in October last year.

A Bloomberg report suggests bringing video calls to Facebook would ramp up competition with Apple, which introduced the feature on its iPhone in June, and with Google, which offered Web calling through Gmail in August last year.

According to PC Mag, Facebook says in a statement: "Last year, we announced the integration of Facebook in Skype, so people can keep up to date with their Facebook friends through News Feed in Skype and even call and SMS their Facebook friends on any phone from Skype.

“With regards to any further integration, we don't comment on rumour and speculation and have nothing to announce at this time."

Skype, which is based in Luxembourg, is keeping mum on the matter. Skype registered with the US Securities and Exchange Commission in August to sell its shares to the public, says My Fox New York.

ZDnet indicates integration has so far been a one-way road. Skype added some Facebook features to its client. If Facebook were to integrate VOIP services on its Web site, the social network would compete with other services that offer video calling.