Skype 6.0, Facebook integration

Just days before its app launches with Windows 8, Skype announced today that it has updated its current desktop program for Windows and Mac.

Dubbed Skype 6.0, the voice over Internet protocol application now includes support for signing into the service with a Microsoft or Facebook account, effectively eliminating the requirement for new users to create a Skype account. In addition, users will be able to instant message with contacts from Windows Live Messenger, Hotmail, and Outlook.com.

Skype's update illustrates its increasing integration with Microsoft products. Microsoft acquired Skype last year for $8.5 billion, saying that it planned to make Skype work closely with many of its products.

One of those many products is Windows 8. Earlier this week, Skype introduced a revamped version of its software for Windows 8 users. The app is designed to mimic the look and feel of Microsoft's operating system, which launches on Friday and offers everything from instant messaging to audio and video chatting.

Until then, Skype 6.0 is ready and waiting. Skype says it has also increased its Windows client's language support with six more languages. The Windows client also comes with an interface refresh. On the Mac side, Skype will allow users to open chats in multiple windows. The software also now includes support for Apple's Retina display.

Skype 6.0 for Desktop is available now.