Microsoft has silently rolled out Windows 10 Mobile beta version of Skype to users running a preview build of the mobile OS from Redmond. Windows 10 Mobile preview users can now download and explore Skype’s newly-separated Messaging and Video apps.
We call it a silent roll out as Redmond did not make any official announcement about the release of beta apps to the public and merely added a new listing on the Windows Store.
“Skype Messaging, Calling and Video ‘Preview’ is a new way to experience Skype features. It integrates individual Skype features where you’d expect them – Skype messaging into Messaging and Skype calling into Phone apps for the fastest way to make calls and send messages”, the app description reads.
“It also adds quick access to Skype video calling. With Skype built in, you’ll be able to reach anyone who uses Skype on iPhones, Androids, even PCs with just a couple of clicks.”
The Skype Messaging app is designed to replace Windows 10 Mobile’s default SMS app. The users will be able to easily switch between SMS or Skype chat with it. The new Skype Video app serves as a single destination for video chats.
The list of features in the Universal Skype apps include integrated conversation history between Skype messaging and SMS, integrated conversation history between Skype calls and phone calls, audio calling, video calling, messaging, emoticons and sign in with Microsoft account.
Users can currently download Messaging Skype Beta for Windows Phone for free via Windows Store. It is to be noted that the application is only compatible with devices running preview build of Windows 10 Mobile.
Microsoft released the most recent Windows 10 Mobile test version, Build 10512, on August 18.
