Microsoft has just revealed the new Skype for Windows 8. It’s a major change in design for Skype, and it looks beautiful. For all the Windows 8 naysayers, the new version of Skype might get them to change their tune a bit. Skype describes the new version as “simple, fast and beautiful,” and based on what they’ve shown, that seems to be an apt description for the new version.
A major focus for the new Skype is greatly improving the way the app runs in the background. It uses almost no battery, which is clearly a feature aimed towards Windows 8 tablets and laptops.
The new Skype is a full-screen experience. It is designed to be an app used every day, and not just when you need to make a call or record a podcast. When you first open the program, it features your contacts, recent calls, and messages right in the front of the app, so it’s easier to stay in touch your friends. Skype also integrates with the new Windows 8 People app, which further makes it part of the Windows 8 experience.
Another awesome feature of the new Skype is the snap feature. You can snap it to the side of the screen and video chat with your friends while using other Windows 8 apps. This will certainly help with multitasking while staying connected with your friends.
Of course, Skype also features the modern design that you would expect from Windows 8. It will be ready to go on the 26th when Windows 8 hits store shelves. If you are upgrading, it looks like Skype will be one of the first apps you want to download on your Windows 8 machine.
Source: Skype
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I wonder if they’ll do something like that for linux users. If not, I might have to give it a try using windows 8.
Is the windows 8 version of Skype that good that you could overlook the rest of the horribleness of windows 8. Even though I am windows 8 hater, I still think windows 8 Pro is going to be great and windows 8 version of Skype is going to make windows 8 a lot more sweeter.
How lucky that all their Skype friends are not so shy as all my friends! My skype has no personal images of real faces unlike the guy above. :)
I don’t know how much I like that concept. As Adrian said, most of my contacts doesn’t really use personal pictures and I won’t recognize people from their faces.
I got 350+ friends, so I wonder what it’ll look like.
Wow, you have a ton of Skype friends! That must be tough to manage. You can still use the regular page on Skype to see names though, so you should be okay.
BTW http://www.skype.com/intl/en/prices/subscriptions/unlimited-world
Only one free Unlimited World subscription can be claimed per customer, the offer is not available in China, Korea, Russia or Taiwan.
Thanks for sharing…
I dont think that I will move to Windows 8 in those days :P
This Skype seems to be great from reviews & features
but I dont hv Windows 8 ;(
i am unable to find the menu for screen sharing when i run skype as an app in win8 as against using it on win 7 as an installed application. can anyone point out how?