Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) Releases Facebook Inc (FB) Enabled Skype 6.0

Yesterday, we reported that Google released a search app for Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)‘s Windows 8, and today, the word around the blogosphere is that the tech giant has released a new version of its voice-messenger service Skype. Aptly named Skype 6.0, the software now comes with Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) functionality, which is similar to the Facebook Connect feature found on many of the web’s most popular sites.

The newest version of Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)’s Skype will give its roughly 650 million users a much easier way to login, and it will also increase the social connectivity of the platform, likely improving its already gargantuan reach. Similar to how Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) and Apple’s iOS 6 integration worked, the social network will now upload users’ contacts into Skype itself, and comes optimized for the Cupertino-based company’s Retina Display (for those using a Mac). Here’s a peek:

Interestingly, the Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) enabled Skype 6.0 is different from the application that is being released with Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)’s Windows 8, which is customized for the new operating system’s design. Unlike those using the messaging service on Mac or pre-Windows 8 PCs, the app will give users the ability to upload contacts into Windows 8’s People Hub, where contact information can be viewed from the Start screen.

Skype’s website has confirmed that Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) integration will also exist within Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)’s Windows 8 Skype app. Here’s a preview of the Windows 8 Skype app courtesy of Microsoft:

Will Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) integration into Skype be a material partnership for Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT), or is it overblown? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.