Skype Coming to Comcast TV's Later This Year

FOX News reports that Philadelphia-based Comcast Corp will be providing Skype to its subscribers later this year. The VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) software will be bundled with a high-quality HD webcam, an adapter box that plugs into the customer's HDTV, and a modified Comcast cable box remote with a built-in QWERTY keyboard.

Catherine Avgiris, general manager of communications and data services, said that consumers will be able to rent the Skype kit, however the company has but to settle on a final price. Nevertheless, trials are expected to roll out within the at once few months, and like those consumers who have purchased an Internet-ready HDTV with Skype pre-installed, users will receive notifications of incoming calls on their TVs and will be able to answer calls with full-screen video or in a window during watching TV.

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But according to the company, the Comcast Skype adapter won't come with the ability to call actual phone numbers, nor will it let users receive calls from a phone number. Instead, the VoIP software will have limited features and come bundled with Comcast's own $20-per-month phone service.

In addition, clients will be able to access mobile features through Comcast's Xfinity Mobile app and continue the same conversations by switching from one compatible device to another. Furthermore product details will be made available later this year, the company said.