Skype for Xbox One offers new features, functionality for Microsoft’s new console

Written by Brandon Hofer on November 11, 2013

News: Skype for Xbox One will be free for six months with an Xbox Live Gold membership.

Xbox One is coming out next week and is capable of many things. Microsoft has recently detailed some of the new features that you will be able to use with Skype on Xbox One. For starters, you will never miss a chance to connect with the people who matter thanks to notifications that pop up when you receive calls and messages, whether you are playing Forza 5, watching television or doing Xbox Fitness.

The new Kinect camera features a wide view camera that is capable of 1080p video and Skype utilizes that to it’s advantage. With Skype for Xbox One, you can fit the whole family comfortably and easily into the frame so no one gets left out. With auto zoom the Kinect camera instantly focuses on the callers in the frame and will pan and zoom automatically to make your video calling experience even better.

The “snap” ability will be able to be used while on Skype. With snap optimized apps working alongside Skype for Xbox One, you’ll be able to multitask while you’re on a call, so you can do things like check sports scores or watch Star Trek Into Darkness while video chatting with your friends and/or family.

Microsoft also revealed that they are offering Group Video Calling and up to 100 worldwide minutes per month for calls to mobiles and landlines in over 50 countries - free for six months with an Xbox Live Gold membership on Xbox One. It should also be noted that to experience Skype on Xbox One you need to be an Xbox Live gold member. Is Skype something you will use on Xbox One? Tell us what you think below.