Today is the day of Facebook, why? Fitst, Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook co-founder and CEO) announced that the company was planning to “launch something awesome†this week. Second, an invitation has been sent to many journalists and sites owners to Facebook Event on Wednesday 7/6/2011 (Today), Third, some news from TechCrunch and zdnet says that Skype integration within Facebook is mostly likely on the agenda for today
So, it’s time to tune in and see what Facebook is going to reveal. Here’s the only official information the company is providing: That link simply redirects you to facebook.com/FacebookLive, so keep your browser pointed there.
Please join us for a product announcement LIVE from Facebook HQ. Tune in to Facebook Live (http://on.fb.me/facebookhq) on Wednesday, July 6 at 10 AM PST / 1 PM EST / 6 PM GMT.
There are multiple rumors regarding what Facebook will launch today:
- An official Facebook iPad app.
- A Facebook photo sharing app for the iPhone.
- A music streaming service.
- A tie-in with Netflix.
- A Skype video integration on Facebook.
Notes around Facebook’s rumors:
- Most sites expected the new product of Skype to include a desktop component, but it’s not clear if we will need the Skype desktop client or additional software even if we already have Skype. Either way, it will reportedly be an in-browser experience. Facebook and Skype first talked about a potential partnership in September 2010, but they could not reach an agreement. When Skype 5.0 was released in October 2010, the new version offered voice calling between Facebook friends, but it did not include a video chatting feature. The integration was a one-way road: only Skype added some Facebook features to its client.
- Following rumors that Google, Facebook, and Microsoft were all interested in the Skype, the software giant swooped in. Two months ago, Microsoft announced that it was acquiring Skype for $8.5 billion in cash. The deal was approved by the boards of directors of both companies, and is Microsoft’s largest acquisition to date.
- While Facebook failed to buy Skype, the company was still likely very pleased that Microsoft got the Luxembourg-based company rather than Google. Microsoft is a Facebook investor since October 2007 and the two collaborate quite a bit. One of the biggest reasons for this is simple: the software giant and the social giant realize they need to work together to compete with the search giant.
- Facebook reportedly has 750 million users, and since Skype only has 170 million users, it’s understandable what Skype gains from this integration. On the other hand, data has shown that Facebook users want voice (and video) chat, so it’s clear that the social network will benefit as well.
We’ll keep you posted throughout the day. Bookmark this page and come back soon.
Update 1: Facebook tapped Skype for video chat: Facebook and Skype are teaming up to let users send instant messages and make comments, and see each other while they chat, and to have instant group chats with friends.
Facebook said on its media site: “The new chat design includes a sidebar that lists the people you message most. Now it’s easier to find your friends and start a conversation. The sidebar adjusts with the size of your browser window, and it automatically appears when the window is wide enough.
â€We’re also launching multi-person chat, which is one of our most requested features. Now when your friends can’t figure out what movie to see, you can just add them to a chat and decide together. To include more friends in your conversation, simply select Add Friends to Chat.â€
Update 2: Want to Try Video Calling on Your Facebook account Start From HERE
