According to the report, the deal will allow Microsoft to leverage Skype, which last year had 207 billion minutes of voice and video conversations, on platforms including Xbox 360, Kinect and Outlook.

"Skype is a phenomenal service that is loved by millions of people around the world. Together we will create the future of real-time communications so people can easily stay connected to family, friends, clients and colleagues anywhere in the world," Steven A. Ballmer, Microsoft's chief executive, said Tuesday in a statement.