SKYPE TO GET INTIMATE WITH FACEBOOK

Sources close to the Skype 5 beta have let some new features slip concerning a deep integration with Facebook.    Skype is planning on deploying Facebook connect when the new version ships, which will allow users to log into Skype using their Facebook login information.  Also, they will be able to make voice and video calls to their Facebook contacts directly from the software. [Engadget]

FACEBOOK BLOCKING PING

Apple's new music social network, Ping, is being blocked by Facebook.  Apple wanted to use Connect, Facebook's friend finding API, to help bring in the user's friends.  Connect is generally open access, however if anyone wants to hit a large number times, they have to sign an agreement to protect Facebook users data and limit network impact.  Since iTunes is so massive, it is no surprise Facebook wanted the agreement in place.  Apparently, negotiations broke down, possibly due to what Steve Jobs referred to as "onerous terms" and Apple decided to use the API anyway, which is par for the course for Apple.  Facebook took exception to this and blocked access.  Apple has had to scramble to clean up the Facebook references.

Facebook and Apple are still negotiating so it is possible that Connect will re-appear in Ping at some point in the future.

[Picture courtesy of Engadget]