Skype and Intel announced on Wednesday that the latest version of Skype that can host up to 10 users on a conference call, requires Intel's dual-core processor. "Skype 2.0 software will allow 10-way conference calls only if it detects code specific to Intel's chips when the PC boots", said Rob Crooke, vice president of Intel's Business Client Group Only Intel's Core Duo and Pentium D processors will allow the 10-way calling feature despite the fact both Intel and AMD released dual-core processors in May.

This latest collaboration is part of Intel and Skype's partnership announced at the Fall Intel Developer Forum last August.

The limit of Skype's latest version, released last month (see Skype 2.0), will remain at five callers for PCs using single-core chips and Advanced Micro Devices' dual-core Athlon 64 chip.

Skype's Interent-calling software allows PC users to make free voice calls to other Skype users over the Internet and to call cell phones and landlines for a fee.

The 10-way calling feature will be exclusive to Intel's chips for a limited time, according to Henry Gomez, Skype's North American GM. "Skype is not releasing the time frame for the expiration of the exclusive agreement", he said.

He declined to comment on whether the company tested Intel's dual-core chips against AMD's dual-core chips, but said Skype was very satisfied with the performance of the Intel chips.

AMD did not comment the story yet when contacted by the CDRinfo news team.