Microsoft makes built-in Skype apps for Windows 10 available to testers
As part of the release of the November update for Windows 10 today, Microsoft also is making available a consumer preview of the integrated Skype video calling and messaging apps available, too.
"In this (Skype integrated into Windows 10) preview we've built selected Skype video calling and messaging features, like 1:1 messaging, calling and emoticons, into native Windows 10 apps to make communicating from your desktop quick and easy," noted company officials in a November 12 blog post.
Microsoft also is planning to integrate Skype video calling and messaging apps into the coming Windows 10 Mobile operating system, which the company is expected to start to roll out on new and existing Windows Phones before the end of this year.
Earlier this year, Microsoft dropped support for its "Modern" version of Skype for Windows 8 (while keeping it alive only for Windows RT) users. At that time, Microsoft officials said they planned to bundle Skype Messaging, Calling and Video apps functionality with the operating system. Microsoft officials said users would be able to turn off the bundled Skype functionality by logging out of the Skype video app.
Microsoft officials said at that time they would continue to offer a separate Skype Desktop application for those users who preferred an all-in-one application. That integrated Skype Desktop application works across a variety of Windows flavors, including Windows 10.
The new Skype single-function apps are Universal Windows apps, Microsoft officials said earlier this year. At that time, Microsoft execs said to expect Messaging, Phone and Video apps to come from the team.