Skype's online video calling service is now available for free on Microsoft Xbox One, Macintosh computers, and the Xbox One game console.
Free Skype video calling on Windows computers, and Microsoft Xbox One devices will allow users to call 10 people max.
Microsoft unveiled the technology on the aforementioned devices Monday, marking a shift away from the previous monthly charge of $8.99 needed to set up a group video chat subscription. Now, no payment is necessary.
The general manager of consumer marketing at Skype told Tech Radar that the industry was ready for the company's next innovation.
"We felt that the time was right," Phillip Snalune said. "We feel there's a healthy use case for group communications and it's something that we wanted to refresh and renew our commitment to. If you think about what else is free on Skype - IM, one-to-one video calling - I think there's an underlying expectation that there's a significant use case for free communications associated with the Skype platform."
Microsoft also has plans to put the feature on its Windows 8.1 Modern UI Skype App in the near future.
Although users can call between three and ten people, Microsoft recommends five callers or less.
The Xbox One's improved kinect sensor enables players to operate the device by talking, Gamereactor reported. Individuals can also connect the console to their satellite television equipment, giving users the opportunity to watch TV and flip back and forth between gaming.
According to Zeenews, the Xbox One game console will soon arrive in Europe, South America, Asia and Africa.
Belgium, Denmark, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, South Korea, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates are among the many countries that'll receive the new device in September.
Microsoft also enhanced the quality of graphics on its Microsoft Xbox Next Generation game console.
There has additionally been improvements on how gamers play online and interact with other people in its release at the beginning of the month.
