Microsoft’s Skype Messaging app beta available to Windows 10 mobile testers

Microsoft has released the beta version of Skype for the Windows 10 Mobile testers. The company has taken a new approach, by splitting messaging and video into two separate verticals instead of one bundled Skype app.

From the description of the app in the store, it appears that Skype Messaging will replace the Windows 10 Mobile’s default SMS app. The user can conveniently swap between SMS or Skype chat. The standard Skype voice calls will also be integrated and will provide the fastest way to make calls from the app. On the other hand, Skype Video will enable users to reach anyone who uses Skype on iPhones, Android devices or even on PCs.

Microsoft aims to make Skype as a universal platform for flawless communication across all Windows 10 devices. Microsoft official mentioned ZDNet , that in a future update to the new OS, the company has plans to build the Skype messaging, phone and video apps into the Windows 10 platform to make it available to all Windows 10 devices. Then, users will be able to access their messages and calls on their smartphones, laptops, PCs and tablet.

The features in the Universal Skype apps include integrated coversation 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 your Microsoft account. In June, Microsoft revealed the plans for discontinuing the modern version of Skype for almost all Windows device. Starting July.27, Skype commenced the process of updating PC users of the Windows modern application to the Windows desktop application and announced to drop the modern application. The company is yet to announce the availability of the beta of the Universal Skype apps.

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