If you are a subscriber to the Comcast cable TV service, you may soon be able to take Skype phone calls while you are watching Mad Men on your TV. Skype has announced that starting this week, Skype on Xfinity will launch in 10 US cities where Comcast is available. Those cities include Detroit, Indianapolis, Miami, Atlanta, Augusta, Chicago, Pittsburgh and Harrisburg.
The Skype blog states:
With Skype on Xfinity, you"ll be able to watch TV and send instant messages or make a Skype video call at the same time. This way, you and your friend or family member will be able to watch the same game or reality show together and share your reactions to the same moments in real-time. You can even choose whether you want the TV program or the Skype video call to be presented in full-screen or Picture-in-Picture views.
Once a Comcast Xfinity customers asks Comcast for Skype support, the cable company will then send over a Skype on Xfinity-enabled set-top box adapter, along with a camera and a remote that comes with a keyboard so people can also send text message using Skype. The Comcast user then plugs in the adapter with an HDMI cable and then starts using Skype with their own home wireless network.
The blog post adds that more Comcast locations in the US will start supporting Skype on Xfinity later this summer. Pricing for the service will be $9.95 a month.
Image via Skype