The Windows 8 version of Skype is apparently ready to hit the market

Oct 13, 2012 09:43 GMT  ·  By

Microsoft has already confirmed that it would develop a Windows 8 version of its popular Skype application, but the company has never mentioned the official release date of this particular build.

The editors over at The Verge, however, spotted what seems to be the Metro version of Skype on a Windows 8 HP machine on display at Best Buy, which may be the first hint that Microsoft is actually ready to launch the full version of the product.

Of course, the Redmondians remain tight-lipped on the subject, but given the fact that Windows 8 is scheduled to be unveiled on October 25 in New York, the new Skype is very likely to see daylight in the next few days.

Sadly, Windows 8 early adopters cannot test the Metro Skype yet and a Windows Store search for “Skype” only returns 4 results that have nothing to do with Microsoft’s VoIP application.

The first hint that Microsoft plans to develop a dedicated Skype flavor aimed at Windows 8 users appeared in January, when the Redmond-based technology company announced two job openings for C# and Java developers.

“You will have a chance to build new Skype client software from the ground up using latest Microsoft technologies focusing on JavaScript/HTML5. Result of your work will be used by hundreds millions of thankful users worldwide,” the company said in its job ad.

Microsoft is also working on a Metro version of the Skype website, but again company executives refused to comment on the matter. Both the Metro Skype and the facelifted webpage, however, are expected to be unveiled on October 25 together with the brand new Windows 8 OS.