"Microsoft Unveils Skype for Windows 8"

Microsoft Unveils Skype for Windows 8

The launch of Windows 8, along with its bevy of compatible hardware, is just days away and with it are third-party software that works wonderfully with the new OS. Microsoft has released a version of Skype that is optimized for Windows 8, which looks similar to other Skype versions except for several stuff that can only be done with Win 8.

For instance, apart from pinching your Live Tiles to zoom out, you can utilize semantic zoom to navigate through a long list of contacts. And since Skype can run in the background, you can set up your Start Screen in such as way the Skype Live Tile would show notifications such as missed calls. Skype for Windows 8 is also integrated into the People Hub, so a user’s Skype handle shows up along other contact information such as email address or phone number.

The in-call experience is also modified for Windows 8. Users can link their Skype and Microsoft accounts, so logging into the system using their Microsoft ID automatically logs them into Skype as well. Video chats can be conducted using the whole screen, as chat messages from the person at the other end of the line appear as text bubbles on the side of the screen. Also, other recent activity can be seen by swiping on the screen, which can be handy when trying to manage multiple IM conversations at once.

The new Skype can also be docked on the side of the screen just like any other Windows 8 program. While Skype chat takes up about a third of the screen, users can use the remaining space for an IM chat within the app or perhaps a web search. The app will be available for free in the Windows Store beginning October 26th.

Source: Skype, via Engadget