Earlier this week, we covered in vague detail, the Skype app for Windows 8, and with Microsoft having promised it would be delivered in time for the October 26th launch of Windows 8, the Redmond-based software maker has delivered it ahead of schedule. As of now, anybody running a preview version of Windows 8 can download Skype from the Windows Store, and those planning to upgrade on Friday will also be able to resume Skyping immediately.
Compatible with both Windows 8 and Windows RT, we first saw a little glimpse of the new Skype app earlier this week, and were fairly impressed by what we’ve seen. It’s one of the most polished apps announced for the upcoming platform so far, but considering it’s developed by Microsoft, we’d expect nothing less.
It integrates nicely with your contacts, and includes a plethora of new and exciting features sure to sit well with the millions of users worldwide.
Having shelled out a few billion dollars to acquire Skype, releasing a solid app for Windows 8 on time was always going to be of high priority, and although we’ve not yet had a chance to get to grips with the newly-adapted app for Microsoft’s upcoming operating system, from what we’ve heard, everything seems to be working smoothly.
Microsoft seems to have been doing everything right hitherto, with releases and announcements passing without so much as a hitch. The real test, however, will be from the 26th onwards, when it releases Windows 8, Windows Phone 8, Windows RT and the Surface tablet – among a flurry of other less-pivotal releases.
Consumers have given positive feedback on Windows 8, but prior to the releases of the Developer Preview and subsequently, the Consumer Preview, those focusing on Microsoft’s progress were somewhat baffled by its decision to pay such a large sum for Skype. The software and technology is currently being folded into everything Microsoft sells, and with a decent-looking desktop and RT app to kick Windows 8 off with, Steve Ballmer’s company will be looking to make a return on its mammoth investment.
We’re expecting to see Skype for Xbox arrive soon as Microsoft tries to morph its flagship console into the all-rounder, and when the Windows Phone 8 version also drops, consumers will have several different ways to communicate with their friends and family via Skype.
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