Online clues suggest a Skype surprise for Windows 8 and Surface
Summary: In all of this week's news about Microsoft's Surface with Windows RT, one app has gone practically unmentioned. Will a "modern UI" version of Skype play a starring role at next week's Windows 8 launch event?
Update October 22: A post on the Skype blog confirms that the new Skype for Windows 8 will be available in the Windows Store on launch day, October 26.
This week Microsoft finally let reporters (including me) spend some hands-on time with its previously top-secret Surface with Windows RT device. The company also started taking pre-orders for the product on a revamped website.
But it wasn’t until I sat down and took a closer look at those pages dedicated to Surface with Windows RT that I noticed an interesting detail. Here, see for yourself:
That sure looks like the long-rumored “modern UI” Skype app, doesn’t it? The two characters in that screenshot, "Elena" and "Anna," are both prominently featured on the Skype website.
The text alongside that screen doesn’t say a word about Skype or telephony or microphones or cameras. But there is this teasing reference on a different page, also devoted to Surface with Windows RT:
And the title of that page? “Software for Surface: Windows RT, Skype, Office RT, Xbox and more.” Finally, at least one reference to Skype that was in the previous version of the Surface website was scrubbed during the transition of the website from preview site to pre-order. This previous version of the page was helpfully cached by Bing:
On the preorder page for Surface with Windows RT, there's this mention of Skype as well:
The Start screen tile for the Windows 8/RT Skype app has already been spotted in the wild, and at least one leaked copy got unauthorized hands-on coverage back in August.
The latest Skype Beta for Windows allows you to link a Microsoft account with a Skype account. When that's done (a simple operation), Skype appears on the Call menu alongside any linked contact in the People app. But so far there's no native app available as a target for that option.
Come next Thursday, when customers start taking delivery of the first batch of Windows RT-based Surface machines, I’ll be shocked if Skype isn’t front and center. It might even make it into TV ads, with Surface users sitting down instead of dancing.
On any list of must-have apps, Skype has to be in the top 3. So when you see it take a starring role in the launch event on October 25, try to look surprised.
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Talkback
Please stop calling it Modern UI
It would be really funny if under the hood "modern" apps were really running in a 16 bit DOS session with a reworked Windows 2 UI on top. But I guess what's old is new again eventually.
I know the whole thing is about to hit store shelves, but the swooning over Windows 8 is ridiculous.
Uhhh...
move the stone, its 2012
What you just said had absolutely nothing to do with this article
And yes, we're talking about Modern Apps.
Specifically, we're talking about the Surface RT which only runs Modern Apps, much like the iPad only runs App Store apps.
But the key here is yes, on Surface RT, you can pin two apps side by side. Something the iPad cannot do.
We're not talking about desktop systems here
Running apps side by side...
Battery life and the ability to run a tablet for at least 8 hours with regular use is not optional. It is a necessity and what made the iPad what it is. Reduce that battery life to 2 to 3 hours and you got yourself a notebook.
Uh no
Jeez, I need better trolls.
Actually, you need better articles.
Guess your hands on experience was to embarrassing to write about.
Surface = FAIL
No one will do that
By the way, what is so exciting about having Skype on Windows RT? That applications is available on any platform -- a normal situation when you need to distribute spyware wider.
Indeed, you need better articles.
Skype is the reason I bought my Windows RT
?
I think the article was fine. I think we need better commentary. Go back to your IOS forum and hang out with the gang.
Ed, you're awesome...
LOL!!! That is very, very funny.. :-)
Thanks for the article Ed - seems to me that you're always putting together the pieces.
Sincerely,
Robert
Huh?
Ha! Sorry to burst your bubble.
Ha! Funny.
"but the swooning over Windows 8 is ridiculous."
Listen, there are lots and lots of rediculous things in the world. LOTS.
But swooning over Windows 8 on a scale of 1 to 100 rates pretty down near the low end about number 74...depending on how you look at it, and only if standing in line in the rain with 2000 other people for 9 hours for the Best Buy to open so you can be one of the first to purchase the latest iGadget is rated as number 1 most rediculous thing in the world.
Let's agree: “REEDIKYOULUS”
You need to change your "Meds"
QUestion
As it is Microsoft own re-branding to change "Metro" > "Windows 8 User Interface" > "Windows 8 Style" > "Modern UI".
And yes, Microsoft is out like a snowman at summer with their Modern UI and its branding.
A 19-30" display with Modern UI and its "multitasking" is just a terrible joke.
Ed which one you are getting?
I have a lot of devices to try before I buy!
Somewhat off-topic question regarding Surface RT tablets
The context is that Apple recently bricked the original iPad after approx. 2 - 2.5 years. Original iPad users will neither receive an upgrade to iOS 6 nor continued updates for iOS 5.
Thus, if Microsoft supports Windows RT updates for 4-5 years, this along with Office RT being pre-loaded will make these tablets a very good buy for consumers and students.
"bricked"?