Facebook launches video chat with Skype

Facebook will integrate Skype videoconferencing into its social networking service, striking a deal to cement its role as a hub for communications.

The agreement, announced by Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg at the company’s Palo Alto, Calif. headquarters on Wednesday, could also deepen its cooperation with Microsoft Corp, which is in the process of acquiring Skype for $8.5 billion.

Zuckerberg said Facebook now has 750 million users. The new service, rolling out immediately, could be a huge boost for Skype, which currently has about 145 million regular users.

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