Microsoft Is Set to Unveil Skype for Windows 8

The release of Windows 8 on October 26, 2012 comes with a Skype upgrade that makes the most out of the features of the latest Windows OS.

The new Skype can be used alongside Microsoft Windows RT or Windows 8 apps, and users can handle calls while running other programs and apps. It is also expected to be equipped with a video messaging capability so that users can leave short video calls to Skype users who are away.

The tile-based style of the new Skype interface is designed for use on either a touch screen surface or by way of a keyboard and mouse. It is also always on, thus the moment the user opens the application, all the recent calls and chat messages are instantly displayed. Using the dial pad, Skype users can call landlines and mobile phones directly as well as view their recent calls and active subscriptions. In addition, the new version of Skype makes use of the Windows Messenger infrastructure in order to transfer and store video, pictures, and other multimedia content on Windows Azure.

Another feature that comes with Windows 8 that greatly impacts the use of Skype is the People app, a contemporary retake of what used to be the address books and contact lists of earlier operating systems. People app works like a cloud-based address book. Each time a user logs in to Skype with his Microsoft account, all the contacts on Skype show up in People app. People app also automatically adds the Skype details of everyone who has been in touch with the user. Twitter, Facebook, and other social networking sites are all integrated into People app, so the user can engage instantly on the latest postings within his social media base.

The most important contacts can be “pinned” on the desktop. Initiating a conversation – by chat, audio, or video calling – can be accomplished by a single click on the mouse button or a tap against a mobile device’s touch screen interface.  

“Bringing Skype to a new platform is always both an opportunity and an adventure. We believe that Windows 8 is a leap into the future of easy and intuitive computing – we've built Skype to be with you on that journey and hope you will bring Skype along with you to share the experiences you care about with your friends and family,” wrote Mark Gillet, Chief Development and Operations Officer at Skype. (KOM) Link. Link.