14 DAY TRIAL // We already knew that Microsoft was planning the release of a mobile version of Skype on handsets running under its Windows Phone mobile platform, but we had no clue as of when it might become available.
Today, however, we learn that it might not be long before the beta flavor of the application is released. Apparently, the Redmond-based company has started dogfooding Skype Beta for Windows Phone.
Basically, the software giant is pushing the application to its employees that own Windows Phones, asking them to take it for a spin and to provide feedback on it.
This means that the app is usable enough to be delivered to the masses, and that it could receive general availability in the very near future.
With the dogfooding process started, any major bugs that might be present with the beta release should be resolved, which would make the app fit for public use.
According to wp7lab, a source in the know confirmed that Skype for Windows Phone would hit devices in the near future, and that the beta testing was well underway.
The application will be pushed to the Windows Phone Marketplace soon, yet we should expect for Microsoft to have it integrated in future versions of the mobile operating system.
For the time being, however, specific info on what Skype for Windows Phone will have to offer hasn’t emerged, though wp7lab suggests that it should not be too long before screenshots with the application emerge.
When released on Windows Phone, Skype will be able to take full advantage of the front cameras on the latest devices out there, to provide users with video calling capabilities.
Android users can already benefit from this capability on their devices, as the popular VoIP application has been available for them for quite some time now. Thus, it was only natural for Microsoft to have it on Windows Phone as well, since it owns Skype.