Skype has been speedy with their updates this year, releasing features, a brand new interface, a video call control bar and HD-quality video calling, to name a few. The latest in this string of releases is Skype for Mac 5.4 Beta. Like its Windows counterpart (Skype 5.5), Mac users will be able to chat with Facebook friends, as well as update their Facebook newsfeed, and comment and Like friends’ posts without leaving the Skype window.

In order to connect to Facebook, sign into Skype and tap Connect to Facebook along with your Facebook sign in information.

Skype has also revamped their new advertising platform.  Good news to those who are Skype consumers or have Skype credits–you won’t have to deal with display ads.  You can download Skype 5.4 for Mac OS X Beta here, and visit the Skype Support Network for more details.

Microsoft’s purchase of Skype marks one of the biggest deals for the year’s second quarter. Under the new ownership, Microsoft is integrating Skype into xBox 360, among other things.  But Skype continues to grow its own initiatives.  The chat platform also launched its own app store called the Skype Directory, with applications that include sharing and faxing utilities, and communication enhancements. It also lets users rate and comment apps, and is open to 3rd-party app-makers.

As VodBurner CEO and founder Jeremy Hague spills to TechCrunch, “Giving Skype users the ability to rate apps, comment about apps, is totally new to Skype and will really help app developers get their apps out to the massive Skype community…having a directory makes live easier for us.”

And Skype continues to enhance its platform, having also made an acquisition, buying GroupMe, a free group text messaging and conference call service on mobile phones.  The amount and terms of the deal were not disclosed by WSJ predicts it to land somewhere around $80 million.

“Skype and GroupMe have a shared vision of creating applications and experiences that are the daily communications choice for a billion people. We will continue to seek the top talent and technology to make that vision a reality,”said Tony Bates, Skype’s Chief Executive Officer.

“The GroupMe team has created an incredibly sticky group messaging experience that works across mobile devices and platforms, making this a perfect addition to the voice, video and text products in the Skype family,” added Bates.