Skype v5.4 For Mac Adds Facebook Integration

Skype has added Facebook integration to its OS X app for Mac users, with the new v5.4 beta being brought up to date with the functionality offered in v5.5 for Windows. Those using the VoIP app on their Macs will now be able to read and update their news feeds directly from the Skype software itself; however, v5.4 also brings with it advertising.

The updated app also supports Facebook Chat conversations within the Skype software, together with comment and "Like" support. It uses Facebook Connect, as you'd expect, and is a free upgrade from the existing version.

If you can't handle the adverts, meanwhile, then Skype says that paying customers – i.e. those with paid accounts or who have credit on their account – won't see them. Those unwilling to pay will see the occasional promotion on the home tab, Skype says, with "non-personally identifiable" demographic data like gender, location and age used to tweak what you see.