Skype answers 2012's call, makes group video calls free
Today, Skype announced that the telephony service would immediately make group video calling free for all Windows/Mac desktop users, along with Xbox One Live Gold subscribers. The feature, which was limited to Skype Premium subscribers, brings Microsoft's service closer in cost parity to Google Hangouts, which offered free group video calls beginning with its launch in 2013 (and even before that when Hangouts were embedded in the original Google+).
Curiously, Microsoft chose not to confirm in its announcement whether Windows Phone users will need Skype Premium to take part in group video calls. Perhaps that information will come during WP 8.1's launch this year, which will introduce deeper Skype functionality for mobile users.
