Skype today announced that it will have a new application ready for users when Windows 8 launches on Friday. The application, appropriately named Skype for Windows 8, offers the familiar features users would expect, including instant messaging and audio and video chatting.
Skype has received a bit of a face lift in the new app, featuring the new Windows look. That has resulted in a significantly different design than what current users have come to expect. However, the new version does appear to be a bit simpler and more streamlined.
In addition, Skype’s upcoming app can be fully integrated into Windows 8’s People Hub feature, allowing users to pin favourite contacts on a tile and view messages and notifications on the Start Screen.
Microsoft acquired Skype last year for $8.5 billion. Since then, Microsoft has endeavoured to bring Skype to its numerous products.