14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has decided to make Skype the default messaging client for Windows 8.1 users, so it’s now offering the VoIP client as a pre-installed app on all versions of the operating system.
In a story posted on the official Windows blog, Microsoft explains that Windows 8.1 “has been about addressing user needs through innovation in design, features and infrastructure.”
In case you’re wondering why there are so many frequent updates to the Modern version of Skype, it’s because the company has actually tried to deliver improvements just when users needed it, so that’s one of the reasons why so-called big bang releases are yet to see the daylight.
“We were able to scale Skype’s brand and technology innovation while enhancing Microsoft’s portfolio of real-time communications products. Most importantly, we were thrilled by the opportunities to extend the value of Skype to other Microsoft products and services – Windows 8.1 is a direct result of these efforts,” Microsoft noted.
Skype has received several improvements for Windows 8.1, including options to allow users to answer an incoming call straight from the lock screen, run apps such as the Mail client side by side with Skype and even scale the UI to the size of your device. Windows 8.1 is specifically optimized for smaller units, including 8-inch tablets.
“We worked closely with Windows engineering to make sure Skype was seamlessly integrated with Windows 8.1 – so it’s not just the communications app that comes with your operating system, but a useful tool to stay in touch with your friends, family and colleagues,” the company continued.
Even though Skype is pre-installed on most versions of Windows 8.1, the app is also available as a separate download from the Store, obviously with a freeware license. Keep in mind that this is only the Modern version of the app that works on Windows 8 and 8.1.