[May 21, 2012] Comcast Launches Skype on Xfinity in Boston and Seattle Tweet May 21, 2012 (Close-Up Media via COMTEX) -- Comcast announced that Skype on Xfinity, a new widescreen HD video calling experience, is now available in Boston and Seattle. According to a release, with Skype on Xfinity, customers are able to make and receive video calls from their TV in HD picture quality, as well as send and receive instant messages via Skype while watching TV at the same time. "We're continuing to build innovative communication services like Skype on Xfinity that will allow our customers to interact in new ways with the people they care about the most," said Tony Werner, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for Comcast Cable. "Through our close collaboration with Skype, we focused on delivering a new product that brings family and friends together through a high-quality video calling experience like never before." Through Skype on Xfinity, customers will be able to: -Make and receive Skype-to-Skype video and audio calls or send instant messages via Skype on a TV while watching their favorite TV show at the same time, and accept incoming Skype calls during a TV show with the help of Caller ID. -Import Skype friends into a global address book which can also contain Facebook, Outlook, Gmail and smartphone contacts so you can find which of your friends already use Skype and see when contacts are online and available to talk. -Have the ability to communicate with the hundreds of millions of connected Skype users around the globe. "Through our collaboration with Comcast, we are delivering a truly compelling HD calling experience to consumers, and demonstrating Skype's continued leadership in video communications," said Bob Rosin, Head of Business Development for Skype. "Our partnership brings video calling into the heart of the home - the living room - where it enables people to share life's experiences in a whole new way." Cathy Avgiris, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Communications and Data Services for Comcast Cable, said, "TV is rapidly evolving as a social experience, and Skype on Xfinity is bringing friends and family together to share life's moments through the use of the largest screen in their homes. Skype on Xfinity is simple to set up and easy to use so that you can always feel like you're there with friends and loved ones, even if physically you're miles apart." To use Skype on Xfinity, customers will need Xfinity Internet service, an HDMI-capable Comcast cable set-top box and a Skype account. Comcast Corporation is a provider of entertainment, information and communications products and services. ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected])) [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]