Microsoft Enables Skype Calls Through Outlook
Microsoft Enables Skype Calls Through Outlook by UCStrategies Staff
Microsoft rolls out the new Skype for Outlook.com, which lets users make Skype voice and video calls within the Outlook.com inbox. This latest Skype integration is made available to users based in the U.K. According to a Skype corporate blog post, deployment to user accounts in the United States and Germany will happen in the forthcoming weeks. Worldwide availability is set for this summer.
Outlook.com is Microsoft’s free email service. Microsoft claims that the personal email service has amassed 60 million new users during its first six months alone. And with Outlook linked to Skype, users can make calls, as well as send and receive instant messages, within the webmail service via a browser plug-in. The latest versions of Firefox, Google Chrome, and Internet Explorer all have their associated plug-ins. After the user has downloaded the required browser plug-in, he will have to link Skype to Outlook through a Microsoft account.
As for users with an existing Skype account, they will be prompted to merge their Microsoft and Skype accounts, so that they can add their contacts in Skype to their Outlook. Skype audio and video call buttons will then appear in the IM chat window once the user has added Skype to Outlook.
The Skype-Outlook integration enables users to make audio and video calls, as well as send and receive instant messages, within the Outlook inbox. A user reading an email, for example, can position the mouse cursor over the contact’s picture then click the corresponding Skype button to launch an audio or video call.
Microsoft has been integrating Skype with the various Microsoft platforms. The recent Skype-Outlook integration is part of a much larger effort. Skype is already integrated with the Lync platform for unified communications. Microsoft has also rolled out a Skype version that integrates with the Windows Phone 8 operating system for smartphones. The Skype People Hub integration for Windows Phone 8 had been disabled because of device stability issues. But in March 2013, the service was restored, alongside a new HD video functionality. (KOM) Link. Link. Link.