Microsoft is announcing today that it’s integrating Skype into Windows 10, therefore it’s like the original Messaging app from Windows 8 is back. The surprise is that the new Messaging app looks a lot like the iMessage bundled with Apple’s operating system.
During the Wednesday event, Microsoft showed off the new Skype integration, but the company opted to show the integration on a phone, rather than using the Messaging app on a Windows 10 PC.
Although the new app carries the Messaging name, it actually integrates with Skype, and it allows you to get access to your contacts to chat or start a video / audio call. Then all of your conversations will roam automatically throughout all your Windows 10 devices, including PC, tablet, and phone.
If you used Apple’s OS X, the interface will look familiar, the Skype integration features the same two-panel, conversations are presented in the same layout, and you’ll even notice the same circular images for your contacts.
Moving forward, Microsoft have also began to link Skype IDs with mobile numbers to simplify the search of people using the service. What differentiates Skype from the rest of similar messaging services like the ones from Apple, Google, and others, is that Skype works across platforms and this is a huge advantage.
Even though, the software maker is not sharing specifics about the future of the Messaging app, it’s good to see the software giant embracing more native and simple integration, like it’s doing with Skype and OneDrive, instead of having to install separate apps. The company also said that the new integration will be coming to the Windows Insider program in the coming months.
Source Skype
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].