14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has finally made the Skype application available for download for the owners of Windows Phone 8 devices, just as promised not too long ago.
The software is up for grabs now in the official Windows Phone Store, but it comes only as a preview version, which might still include a series of bugs and missing features.
In fact, Microsoft themselves note in the app’s description that it might not be able to provide users with the same experience that the final release will offer.
“Make free Skype to Skype video and voice calls as well as send instant messages to friends and family around the world with this preview of Skype for Windows Phone 8,” the company notes.
The new application release provides users with the possibility to view Skype contacts in the People Hub, while also enabling them to start a conversation with just a tap.
Windows Phone 8 owners will be able to sign in with their Microsoft Account, so as to benefit from the option to IM with their Messenger buddies.
The preview flavor of Skype will also provide notifications on received calls and messages even when closed, though this feature is still under development, Microsoft notes.
As mentioned above, the app might not behave as well as expected, and Microsoft is set to make sure that users are aware of that.
“Some capabilities listed above are work-in-progress and may not function consistently. This includes, but is not limited to: call reliability and the ability to receive incoming calls and chat notifications when outside of the app,” the company notes.
Skype for Windows Phone 8 can be installed only on the latest version of Microsoft’s mobile operating system. The app needs 512MB of RAM to deliver the best quality experience.
As with Skype for other mobile platforms out there, users will be able to make calls and engage in chats both over 3G networks and via Wi-Fi. The preview flavor of Skype for Windows Phone 8 can be seen in Microsoft’s official app portal on this page.