If you’re a Skype user and you’re a Windows Insider, then there’s a good chance that you’ve been using the Skype Preview Universal Windows App. Now, Microsoft is making the new UWP version of its Skype communications client available to all Windows 10 users, starting today with the release of the Anniversary Update.
As Microsoft says in the Skype blog announcement:
We first launched Skype for Windows desktop in 2003 and connected people around the world with audio calls on PCs. A few years later, we brought the magic of video calling to consumers. You could share stories with loved ones like never before by talking face-to-face for free on PCs. Many things have changed since then; people are using multiple devices as well as mobile devices with limited battery and connectivity. To ensure that we can keep people connected, Skype also started transitioning from peer-to-peer to a modern, mobile friendly cloud architecture.
As a part of this transition, we worked closely with the Windows team to build a new Skype. We redesigned the app from the ground up so that Skype works seamlessly with Windows 10, taking advantage of the Universal Windows Platform. Starting today with the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, we are rolling out a faster and easier way for Windows 10 customers to use Skype.
Skype Preview supports all of the Skype functionality that you know and love, while working so much better on touch-enabled devices like tablets and hybrids. You’ll also gain Windows 10-specific advantages like replying to messages directly in notifications.
Skype Preview is automatically installed along with the Windows 10 Anniversary Update. Once the update is installed, you’ll find it in your list of apps in the start menu. Any previous Skype video and messaging apps will have been replaced with the Skype Preview, except for the Skype for desktop app which won’t be affected.
Microsoft is, as always, looking for your feedback, and so once you’ve given Skype Preview a try go to the Skype Community and let the Skype team know what you think. You can also let your fellow WinBeta readers know your thoughts in the comments below.
