eBay sent out a press release announcing the integration of Skype into its online auction service. Yahoo News says eBay will kick off a trial initiative on June 19 that will add a "Skype Me" button to auction pages in 14 different categories. The button will enable eBay users to contact sellers instantly by both voice and text.

In the free service, those who push the on-screen button will be able to contact sellers by voice, text chat or both to request more information about a specific item in real time, she said. That will help eliminate so-called friction that can get in the way of a sale, especially in high price categories or those that require a lot of information before a deal is made, she said. The San Jose, Calif.-based company said users will have to download Skype software and buy headsets separately.

The button will be added in a trial starting June 19 on 14 categories of products where eBay determined instant communication can better facilitate trade, such as automotive GPS devices, NBA basketball cards, diamond solitaire rings, real estate, and cars and trucks, the company said.

EBay is also looking at combining the functions of PayPal and Skype, said spokesman Hani Durzy. One idea is allowing PayPal account holders to automatically send money to anyone on their Skype buddy list.