Download Skype for Mac 5.4 Beta with Better Facebook Integration and Advertising Platform

Only a month after releasing its last beta for Mac with OS X Lion support and HD calling, Skype has now released its next Beta 5.4 for Mac and this one brings along greater Facebook integration. This will bring the Mac platform more on the same lines as the Windows version.

The new beta lets Mac users enjoy the same features as Windows users were utilizing. Now users can chat, as well as view status updates from friends lists and update their own. Earlier they would have to leave Skype and go to Facebook when they wanted to make a video call. Now they can just make calls from within Skype. Connection to Facebook is just a click away now.

The Skype beta 5.4 was announced the Skype official blog:
“Today we’re launching Skype 5.4 for Mac Beta. The launch introduces the same Facebook integration found in Skype 5.5 for Windows. We are excited to finally deliver Facebook integration to our Mac users.

Just like in our Windows client, you will now be able to IM and connect with your Facebook friends without leaving Skype. You will also be able to read and update your News Feed, as well as comment and ‘Like’ your Facebook friends’ posts – all within Skype for Mac. To connect to Facebook, simply sign into Skype, click on the Connect to Facebook tab and enter your Facebook sign in details”

In addition to Facebook integration, Skype is also introducing an ‘Advertising Platform’ for Mac like the one that is already in place for Windows platform.

• We’re working with some great advertisers, including Groupon, Universal Pictures, and Visa.
• Ads will appear in the US, UK and Germany and advertising sales for Skype are initially focused in those markets.
• You may only see ads occasionally. Our initial plan is to show an ad from one brand per day in each of the markets where advertising is being sold.
• The ads will appear in the Home tab in Skype for Windows, and we may experiment with ads in other areas as well.
• The ads won’t interrupt your Skype experience. You won’t suddenly see annoying pop-up ads or flashy banner ads in middle of conversations.
• We may use non-personally identifiable demographic data (e.g. location, gender and age) to target ads, which helps ensure that you see relevant ads. For example, if you’re in the US, we don’t want to show you ads for a product that is only available in the UK.
• You can opt out of allowing Skype to share this non-personally identifiable demographic data with advertisers from the Privacy tab in Tools ▸ Options.

Skype is thus making an effort to enhance user experience by greatly bringing the Mac and Windows version at par with each other.

Download Skype for Mac 5.4 beta

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