With the many offerings for social connectivity and messaging, an old-time favorite, Skype, and a recently released but equally (if not perhaps more?) favored app MessageMe are taking the stage with new developments and announcements that propel them to the top.

MessageMe: Shooting straight up to be a favorite

Recently launched multimessaging app MessageMe has raking acclaim and users, and has rocketed to the top of the charts.

In an announcement on their official blog, MessageMe announced to seed investors and other users that they are still on a roll, achieving over 500 notifications worldwide every second, as well as growing the community all over the world.

In addition, MessageMe says their users are exploring their media functions, with 10 million doodles shared all over the US and 4 million songs on iTunes.

Getting axed from Facebook

For a fairly new app, MessageMe has already gotten the ire of giant Facebook, enough to have the former cut off from Facebook.

The cause? It seems that MessageMe has been replicating Facebook's core functionality, which is its messenger features.

"For a much smaller number of apps that are using Facebook to either replicate our functionality or bootstrap their growth in a way that creates little value for people on Facebook, such as not providing users an easy way to share back to Facebook, we've had policies against this that we are further clarifying today," said Facebook director Justin Osofsky to PC Mag.

This wasn't the first time that an app has found itself axed from Facebook, especially those that have similar functions with Facebook's services.

But it doesn't seem to put a crutch on MessageMe, as it grows to $1.9 M in funding from investors and nabs 1 M users, securing a favored position in the App Store, reports TechCrunch.

Windows Phone 8 Skype users enjoy HD support

Skype is also making waves as it continues to improve its services, this time for Windows Phone 8 users.

According to CNet, Skype has recently released a 2.4 version for the Windows Phone 8, which will bring high-quality video calls. Those who are using the more high-end phones will have 720p HD video, while those with lower-end will receive VGA at best.

The catch that you have to deal with is the speed of your Internet connection, as the app syncs the video quality accordingly. Both the front and back cameras can be used for video chats.

People integration for better Skype calls

Skype has also conducted the necessary improvements for the People Hub Integration, allowing users to jump into Skype calls straight from your contacts list instead of opening the app, which will be great for emergency calls.

Account switching is also made possible straight from the main menu, reports EndGadget. The upgrade is available for free at the Windows Phone store, and includes some minor fixes and add-ons like landscaped video calling, Messenger contacts now showing online, and better incoming IM and notifications when the app is closed.