Nov 29, 2010 16:00 GMT  ·  By

The latest version of the Skype desktop client comes with deep Facebook integration, but the feature only went one way, until now. Facebook is apparently testing a new video chat feature that may be based on Skype's existing technology and taps into its user base.

Facebook app developer Tal Ater stumbled upon a piece of JavaScript code that was only recently added to the site and that only loads on occasion, suggesting that Facebook is now testing the feature.

The JavaScript object is named simply VideoChat, leaving no doubts about its purpose. The code seems to cover all of the hooks and functionality needed for browser-based video chat, the app developer says.

Facebook has toyed with the idea before and video chat code was spotted more than a year ago. At the time though, it looked like only an early test.

Now, the feature is back, for another test, but this time it looks more like the real deal, especially based on the more recent rumors and the Skype integration.

This time, the code also makes several referrals to Skype, Skype logins and the Skype SDK, indicating that the VoIP service will be an integral part of the new video chat feature.

Still, it's unclear what this means or whether Facebook will be relying on Skype technology. It could just be an alternative or a way for Skype users to connect to their Facebook accounts, something that is already possible to some degree.

Video chat would make a natural extension for Facebook's existing chat feature which has actually proven quite popular, according to the social network.

The fact that Facebook has been testing and thinking about the feature for quite some time now indicates that the site knows the importance of video chat.

Google has been offering voice and video chat in Gmail for quite a while and has more recently added functionality enabling users to make and receive calls to and from any number within the web mail app.