Microsoft quietly releases a preview version of its universal Messaging app for Windows 10, but the app arrives first to Windows 10 Mobile. Previously, the software giant unveiled that it’ll be bringing a new universal Messaging app using Skype as the medium for communication in Windows 10 — we have seen a demo, but we haven’t heard any new information since then.
While we’re expecting the company to release a version of its unified Messaging app probably with the roll out as part of Windows 10 “Threshold 2” for PCs. Today the “Messaging Skype Beta” app showed up in the Store, but it’s only available for Insiders running the latest pre-release of Windows 10 Mobile.
According to the description in the Store:
“Skype Messaging, Calling and Video *Preview* is a new way to experience Skype features. It integrates individual Skype features where you’d expect them – Skype messaging into Messaging and Skype calling into Phone apps for the fastest way to make calls and send messages. It also adds quick access to Skype video calling. With Skype built in, you’ll be able to reach anyone who uses Skype on iPhones, Androids, even PCs with just a couple of clicks.”
Features in this beta release includes: integration with conversation history between Skype messaging and SMS, Skype calls and phone calls, audio and video calling, messaging, and emotions.
Back in July, the software maker retired it’s modern Skype app for Windows, in favor of the desktop app, as the company works to build a brand new universal messaging, calling and video app for Windows 10, which will run across PCs, tablets, Xbox, and phones. However, it’s seems that the company begins testing the app where users will be using it the most — on a Windows phone.
Video: Here’s a demo of the beta version of the Messaging Skype Beta app:
Microsoft hasn’t officially announced the app, but the company is likely to reveal more information when the next build of Windows 10 Mobile begins to roll out to phones for Windows Insiders, which probably will happen in the coming days.
Source Windows Store via ZDNet
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].