Microsoft 'to replace Xbox Live voice chat with Skype'

Microsoft will place Skype at the centre of a whole suite of online-capable communication devices, CVG has learned.

A person familiar with the matter said Microsoft will be "consolidating all their communications technology" around the Skype platform. This means that Skype will become the default chat service on the next generation Xbox console as well as on PC and tablets, the person said.

[nrvalleytime]

Very smart Microsoft. Love when smart decisions result in better vertical integration.

[JoGam]

The funny thing is we PS3 owners was requesting this feature years ago from Sony. I personally thought then it would be a good idea. When MS bought Skype I knew they had some tricks up their sleeve. I can see universal chat through Skype.

[TheTwelve]

Of course you know Sony will go to Google to compete with this, if need be.

[mwjw696]

Sony work with google??? HAHAHAHA you dont know Sony very well.

[TheTwelve]

---mwjw696 --- That's why Sony has Android for their Xperia and works hand in hand with Google for the original and current Google TVs. The two companies have worked together especially in areas where the other side lacks to compete with Apple/Microsoft. --- 12

[MaxXAttaxX]

Maybe not used as a universal chatting medium, but then again that's what the party-chat on Vita is for.
But on XBL you'd need to pay for a Gold membership to use it, just like the internet browser.

[Buzz7S]

Well Skype is available with other Sony devices, including the PS Vita. I haven't tried it myself, but it is available and not restricted to only Microsoft-owned products.

[ALLWRONG]

"but it is available and not restricted to only Microsoft-owned products"

It will be when the next Xbox is launched or at least crippled on other platforms.

[sikbeta]

Nothing wrong with that

[IAMERROR]

Hopefully this leans towards better free online, sense Skype to skype has always been free it'll be a bit silly to be a gold only feature. Next step, making online gaming free. Trust me a lot of people would get an Xbox if it had free online MP.

[CommonSenseGamer]

If using the browser on the 360 requires gold then I don't like the chances of Skype being free to use either.

[jslash]

Not a chance. The paid service has worked brilliantly for them this gen..there's no reason for them to revert to a free online service.

[BISHOP-BRASIL]

Netflix access, internet browser and online play... Three features that say you may be wrong, free everywhere else, pay for access on XBL.

Can it change next gen? Sure. They can also go with a pink console with a unicorn horn and my little brony theme... Anything can happen next gen. But nothing points towards it right now.

[Hozi]

hey, I know a lot of Microsoft Fanboys will jump in defence against this, but could you at least hear me out?!

I don't care if I can watch Netflix on my console, nor do I care if I can use the internet browser and all those other media apps...all I really care about is the gaming experience.

With that said, I believe that M$ should make all multiplayer games available to silver accounts. They can still have Gold, but don't charge people to play online, we've already got internet bills, electricity bills, and not to mention we pay $60 for a game and what's the point of paying for a game if you can't access the whole game (multiplayer too)? Sony has free MP, Steam is Free...M$ Can make it free and still have a Gold Account for ppl who wanna get extra games, free games, beta Testing, etc...

Don't you agree?

[nukeitall]

I think there is a fine free alternative on the market with PSN, so I say keep XBL a paid service. I like the community, features and ease of use. By removing the fee you might just change the community.

If you paid for XBL, you are likely a hardcore online gamer. Those are the types of people I enjoy playing online matches with because they want to play online.

I don't want a friends list full of people that just want to play single player games.

[Godz Kastro]

Dude stop with the Xbox live cost already... Sheesh, I paid $40 for a year and got 800 free ms points along with it. That .11 cents a day not even including the ms points. I'd rather pay that for a better online experience.

[AngelicIceDiamond]

This has been rumored for a while. If that's the case then expect (finally) crystal clear output through the Mics and don't necessarily need Turtlebeach's, Tritons or Astros for superior voice quality(still nice to have though).

This also could also mean with default Skype functionality MS could introduce something that goes beyond Cross Gamechat.

Interesting.

[TheDivine]

I'm thinking maybe actually seeing people during mp. Maybe a screen on the controller with a camera so you could see your friends reaction when you kill his ass. I've always wanted more stuff like this. Idk Skype does video so there's bound to be something interesting.

[UnholyLight]

DONT FORGET nrvalleytime:

Our beloved Xbox Live has never been shut down for what was it, two months? Because we couldn't figure out how to make a secure online system (looking right at you Sony). The only trouble you can get into on XBL is if you try and get "free microsoft points" through a email phishing scam, and that FIFA scam as far as I know.

Never had a problem, every Sony guy I know from my town (7 people) all were jealous cus their service was down forever. Lolz. Xbox Live sucks my ass, a service that is secure, now that's something worth paying for.

[FunAndGun]

I would rather be down for a month then to be extorted out of $500 during the life of my console.

That month is gone and over...while you are still paying.

[calis]

and yet when we pay for an online service, we get games.

You get to pay to play a part of a game you already bought.

Oh also, I seem to remember Live being down over Christmas a few years back, and Major Nelson having his account hacked.

[ThanatosDMC]

This old news since Skype has been spamming e-mails about integrating our Live account into Skype. It's really annoying. I did it all ready... why am i still getting trash e-mails.

Hopefully, this does not affect people that use Skype to cast tournament on twitch and those that use it to make youtube gameplay videos.

[fatstarr]

this is really smart, having a default voice/video app that can be used
between phone, console , pc and tablet is a big move

[aviator189]

My family and I are huge fans of skype and we use it nearly every day to get together with our other family members so this is pretty cool.

[NobleTeam360]

I don't even get why anyone would disagree this comment?

[NoobJobz]

Because people will disagree agree with anything you say. It may have been for the part about how much they love Skype and maybe th disagreers don't love Skype.maybe they don't have a family. Maybe they don't use it every day.

[omi25p]

they have a ps3

[TheGamerDood]

Fantastic idea hopefully you won't need a gold account to use it though.

[aviator189]

I honestly do not think this will require a gold membership account for some reasons:

1) Voice chat is already free and requires just xbox live silver
2) I's a widely used feature, even among free members so I doubt ms would just completely shaft that entire segment
3) They're simply replacing an existing feature with another, not adding in another one or alternative to go along with voice chat.

[lastofgen]

Well, when you look at it that way, I think it makes sense.

[2pacalypsenow]

You will but anyone that has and xbox should have live by now

[BanBrother]

Finally something I can say is a good move from MS. Should make voice chat and video chat much more simplified. How much will they charge for a Next-Box webcam though? In-built Kinect camera??

[hazardman]

Well seeing as you can already use kinect to video chat, I'm assuming kinect 2 will be all you need.

[KrisButtar]

That's awesome in my eyes, I wonder if the vita skype can chat with the next box skype? Cross branding. I have always liked skype as it's a nice free service and if you have Internet you basically make calls for free

[joeorc]

"That's awesome in my eyes, I wonder if the vita skype can chat with the next box skype? Cross branding. I have always liked skype as it's a nice free service and if you have Internet you basically make calls for free"

remember skype is "platform agnostic"
it will allow two devices to communicate with each other no matter what each platform is. aslong as the software is there enabled both will be able to communicate with each other. My PSVita for example I can use the skype in number , or land line number or cell phone number to call or take incomeing call's just as well on my PSVita as i would on my LG Thrill.

[hazardman]

Who's to say MS won't lock ps4/vita from using skype to make it a key feature on xbox720. You'll probably see skype on sony pc/tablets but not Sony consoles or handheld. It possible and makes sense. Also I know some will say big deal but Skype is awesome my kids and I use it all the time to talk to friends and family. Good to know I can use my nextbox when kids are using home pc to skype.

[joeorc]

"You'll probably see skype on sony pc/tablets but not Sony consoles or handheld."

psst!

skype is already on the PSP slim, and skype is also on the PSVita!!

"Who's to say MS won't lock ps4/vita from using skype to make it a key feature on xbox720. "

Skype is Licenced out to who ever wants it, locking it out kinda defeats the purpose. if they did that Microsoft would have a big lawsuit, not to mention Google Voice will have a real go at skype if microsoft did that.

Plus you do know that skype credit is used to do extra functions like "Skype IN" that means that if you buy skype credit that credit is or can be shared between all your devices, so if you say buy a "skype in" Number that same number works on any skype enabled device you have! thus it does not matter what platform it is. the only way for skype to be locked out of other devices is if Microsoft does not allow Sony to licence the skype progrom, and why would Microsoft do that since that Skype credit means that consumer's may be buying skype credit on not just PC, but those with a PSVita, PSP, Android ,iOS, and Now Xbox consumer also.

To lock out more revenue, would not be a very smart thing! Remember Microsoft Purchased skype, that's to make sure Google Voice was not going to have a leg up on IE. and more importantly to gain more revenue aside from windows only based platforms.

[KrisButtar]

@ above it's true that it is cross platform, my cell, my vita, my laptop, all have skype, I was just wondering if the next box would only allow skype from another xbox or cross branding like my vita to my next box

[TheGamerDood]

I'm sure that would piss off just about everyone.

[joeorc]

one of the best thing's Microsoft has purchased in the past 5 year's. It still kinda amazes me what functions many people still do not know skype Has like "Skype In" is a very big one, many still have no idea that skype has that!

That's a VRvoip incoming/out going phone number that you can have that's not tied to a phone telecommunications company. and it's a phone number that you can have on any or as many skype enabled device you own!

Its a top notch program in my opinion, and Microsoft going with skype on the xbox platform is a great thing, no doubt about it.

[kma2k]

My first question is it going to be accesable to other xbox's only or all skype users. Meaning can i skype my family on there phone from my xbox or just other xbox people?

[riverstars86]

I think it's a given that the Skype on Xbox will integrate with all other Skype platforms.

[hazardman]

I assuming its the full skype service and that you'll be able to call family that are not on xbox live. I mean you can already video chat with your xbox friends without skype. I'm pretty sure you probably can use the account you have now and just inergrate it with Xbox Skype when feature is available like they do with some other apps. These are my assumptions tho..but they make sense to me anyways..

[joeorc]

"My first question is it going to be accesable to other xbox's only or all skype users. Meaning can i skype my family on there phone from my xbox or just other xbox people?"

skype to skype or skype to land line or cellphone is

"platform agnostic" meaning if for example you have a xbox360, and someone else has a psvita you will be able to video or voice chat with each other. and say you have and xbox360 and a Android smartphone. if someone skypes you you can answer the same skype call no matter if your on your smartphone, xbox360, PSVita, PC Tablet etc.

that's the great thing about skype if you opt. in for a "skype In" phone # with your skype service it allows anyone to call you on that Phone number and you can pick up that same call on any device you have with the skype program running.

check out this for more info on how it works

https://support.skype.com/e...

[OC_MurphysLaw]

This is smart and long overdue to be honest. We heard these rumors back just after MS bought skype. I fully welcome the notion of being able to skype on my pc, phone or xbox.

I recently set my parents up with Skype on their computer so we can do video chat. I seriously considered getting them an xbox instead w/ a kinect camera but opted to go skype since it was something they had in place already.

[Belking]

This is a smart move. Xbox live just keeps improving.

[RuleofOne343]

Cool, this will be fun.

[mercury228]

I already have everything MS offers on Xbox live and more without a 60 dollar fee. I have more than just skype if I so choose, I have Steam, Higher performance games,the internet at my finger tips, a higher res monitor than any TV, more of a variety of gamer, and the list goes on. All with PC gaming, jump on board wont you.

[BabyTownFrolics]

you do realize you are everything that is wrong with the community here at N4G. Can't just live and let live, gotta take every opportunity to talk down to fellow gamers. It's sad really.

[Captain Tuttle]

thanks for sharing

[riverstars86]

Are you playing Uncharted and God of War on Steam? What about Mario and Zelda? Oh you aren't, sorry to hear, you really are missing out.

[Dread]

Did you like halo 3 and 4
Gears 2 and 3
Forza 4 and hirizon
On pc?

Did not think so

[d3nworth1]

You PC elitist need to stop treating console gamers like retards. Just because people don't game on PC doesnt mean they don't about PCs. For one thing when you buy a PC game there is no guaranteed its going to even run reguardless how good your specs are. My cpu has hyper-threading and cuz of this wont run Lost planet 2 even though it passes the system requirements.I have to disable the hyper threading to play and enable when i'm done unlike the console which you pop in and play. My point is for all the glamour of PC gaming it has more than its fair share of frustration.

[riverstars86]

Why does it seem like people will disagree on a comment for no reason? It just baffles me when a very sensible post gets disagrees for no reason, atleast leave a comment on why you disagree.

[mercury228]

I have consoles as well lol. I will be more clear, why should I pay $60 a year on top of a bill for my internet to get Skype and other features that should be standard? PC gaming is not as difficult to get into as people make it out to be. I did also play all the gears games, halo, uncharted, etc. I also sold all my consoles a year ago and dont miss them. You also dont mention the games you miss out on from the PC, can you name any? I also get way better versions of games that are on consoles. Maybe you console elitist should rethink having an xbox/PS3. I mean you have to use MS points to buy stuff lol, how dumb is that.

[hesido]

I chose console gaming when I realized I don't like to play 30 cm away from a display, although it provided higher resolution. I find 42 inch TV's at about 2 meters very immersive compared to looking at a monitor.

[TotalSynthesisX]

Wow, I had no idea Steam offers Halo, Gears of War, Forza, Killzone, Uncharted, God of War, Mario, Metroid, and Zelda. /s

GTFO PC fanboy.

[iNathan]

They need to feel good treating Console gamers as retards since the only place they can do that is on their pcs.

We Console gamers we are normal people, most of console gamers dont even go to forums they just enjoy their games in their couch be it Uncharted, Gears of War, Halo or Gran Turismo.

Pc Elitist all of them use forums, they have no life outside of their miserable Pc, most are Fat.

Console Gamers are the superior race for everything, we just dont have their skills on gaming.

[Coach_McGuirk]

bragging about being "normal"?

[ExCest]

*facepalms*

Console elitist

[mercury228]

I hate consoles, have a girlfriend, work with kids, and have tons of friends. I also exercise, and have other hobbies. What are you saying again?

[Bladesfist]

You are the idiot if you believe there is a difference between console and PC gamers. Both have virgins on them. Neither of you are a superior race. PC Gamers just tend to have better computer knowledge and so do not want to work on a closed platform.

[ShadowKingx]

this would be great, pay for xbox live you get free Skype, other benefit would be that i also can you same email to get it free for computer use as well.

[hobohunterz]

Skype is already free

[KingKevo]

Smart and interesting move from Microoft there. Linking XBL and Skype accounts really makes a lot of sense and will let you stay in touch at any time. It'll be interesting to see if it will keep its name and how you can differenciate between Skype contscts and those who are 'just' online friends in Skype. I'd also appreciate an updated Skpye, it can still be tricky at some points. But yeah, the idea sounds great already.

[ExCest]

If it lowers latency and improves audio quality (if there was any problem originally), then good!

[hot4play]

What's gonna happen to my PS Vita's Skype App? I hope Microsoft doesn't do anything douche-y and try to "lock us out" or remove the app.

[RuleofOne343]

They will honour the contract to keep it on Vita for now , but once contract expires they will restrict it to Sony tablets ,laptop, mobiles phones. my guess is they would prefer it to be a feature exclusive to their console, can't have it on a rival console.

@chuckj1 cause then they can't call it a console exclusive if its on a competitors console.

[hot4play]

Makes sense too. That would suck for PlayStation users if ever they go that route...

[chuckyj1]

This was never a question of "If", but when. Right when MS bought Skype every videogame player knew this would ultimately happen.

As for "Hot4play" Why would MS F'up Skype on Sony systems or other applications that run Skype? they are receiving Royalty payments, because MS owns Skype.

[hot4play]

Good point.

[KontryBoy706]

so, just being curious, if skype is free but xbl costs; how does this translate to silver members? can they chat through their xbox with skype without having gold?

[Buzz7S]

Well as an Xbox user, I can see it being exclusive to premium members only. Silver members can't communicate with one another on Xbox LIVE, so Skype being accessible to silver members would be wishful thinking.

And still, though it will be accessible by those paying a premium, they will fill Skype with advertisements. It sucks that we pay and still see ads, but business is business.

[thecowsaysmoo]

The wii u has all of this and it is free and doesn't get hack every day like PSN.

[Mac420]

Business is business I have a 360 I'm tired of it your the dumb consumer that has MS in the mindset there in to begin with. XBL use to be so much cheaper an essentially there excuse is they have more features. Only difference between gold accounts when they were $4.99month an currently $9.99month is Apps that are all free on my phone, computer an if I had a PS3. They never change the price on DLC an have repeated monthly an seasonal deals. I love my box mainly because of party chat, doubt party chat will be offered to silver user's hate to break all your hearts, Really the only thing we are paying for, an the commercials for multiplatform games to say with Kinect at the end. Want old Dashboard back.

[Mac420]

An I don't know why people always talk about PSN being hacked was Anonymous if MS got attacked by them same shit would happen to us. Remember when Gold was down for Christmas when Halo 3 launched for no other reason then MS not being prepared for the mass amount of ppl that bought a 360 that year? An for compensation they gave us all Under Tow a free arcade game that was poop an just compensated us for the time during the outage. They didn't even give anybody a month free or anything.People all over the internet "claimed" calling in an complaining an getting free months an msp but we shouldn't have to do that.

[Sarobi]

Just because MS owns it doesn't mean they will restrict it to just their devices. Microsoft knows that the larger the audience is, the more money can make make off of the premium Skype accounts. Skype being a cross-platform program is what makes it gold mine.

[stubbed_out]

One thing I hate about Sony is that they're going to do what they always do, force everyone to use their proprietary communications product which simply won't be as usable.

However, I do agree with some of the above that MS will likely allow Sony to use it a cost, they did pay $8.5 billion for it after all.

[Braid]

Not exactly gaming related- but I think Skype was supposed to replace Windows Live Messenger as well, but we can still use it with our buddies- I wonder what happened as it's still in service.

The desktop version of Skype has a horrendous interface though. I hate the texting window and how you have no option to customize your text color and font. Metro UI version is better but still needs some improvements.

I also read they added outlook integration to Skype so you can check your e-mails directly within the software itself, so it looks like MS is really serious with using Skype on every platform they own.

[Raoh]

Makes sense.

[andrewer]

Everything is becoming Skype lol. If Microsoft buys Facebook, they will practically own internet communication O.o Not complaining though :)

[FreakyFox]

Why is Skype the second coming all of a sudden?

I downloaded the program last week because they said Windows Live Messenger was being phased out and merged into Skype, so that we all use 1 Microsoft account to access things, hotmail xblive etc etc.

So i ran it played with it for abit and realised i could not e-mail with it, unless i am missing somthing.

But on the Xbox, if it is better sound quality and free for internet chat, it will be all good, but if they bundle it with Gold subscription like they did with Internet Explorer for Xbox360, it will be a step in the wrong direction.

You have to pull punters in, not push them away by charging them for sevices that have been free even before Xbox was even born, i'm talking web browsing , online gaming and voice chat etc etc.

[ninjahunter]

That sucks XD I sure as hell wouldn't want skype for that. Skypes not very good these days, its actually just really terrible. I can video chat with better quality on google+ than i can voice chat in skype.

[e-p-ayeaH]

Expected it would cool if it can capture gameplay as well.