Microsoft is back to square-one when it comes to Skype on Windows 10. Starting from a standalone app on Windows Phone in past Microsoft has integrated Skype to Messaging app on Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile also has its standalone video calling app. But as per a new report, based on user feedback, Microsoft is going to re-unify the Skype app and bring it as one Universal app on Windows 10 in future. Though Microsoft still plans to have the currently integrated Skype apps for Windows 10 Mobile and will allow them to use the UWP app too in future. Below is the screenshot of the upcoming Skype UWP app.
ZDNet’s report claims that,
We’ve learned that the (use) of task-focused apps varies with screen size,” said Barbie Stafford, Director of Product Marketing for Skype. “For small screens — mobile users who have apps for each task — integrated apps work really well. For laptops and desktops, the story is quite a bit different.”
Microsoft does plan to allow Windows 10 Mobile users to also run the coming unified Skype UWP app at some point. Microsoft officials aren’t yet saying when that will happen.
Stafford said Microsoft’s latest change in direction with Skype is about “research versus reality.”
The app will be available from Store and should be coming to Insider Preview soon as per the report.
Initial UWP version of Skype for Windows 10 will have following features:
- Simplified look and feel, thanks to removal of duplicate menus
- Global menus to be in a new single settings menu
- Ability to sign in with Microsoft account and link a SkypeID
- Make one-to-one calls and send messages
- Send photos
- See notifications for incoming calls and messages outside of the app
- Participate in existing group chats
Upcoming Features list:
- Start a chat anyone using Skype or not using Skype
- Create a group and send group messages
- Group voice and video calling
- Share screens, files and video messages
