Skype Updates, Prepares for Windows 8

Skype (News - Alert) is preparing for an update, as new video messaging features will be added to its services soon. It’s set to be released within the next few months, and will allow users to send pre-recorded video messages to their contacts, which can then be viewed when the user logs in.

This goes along with Skype’s beta of Microsoft (News - Alert) Account integration, which will also include a new design style for Skype itself. A similar service was used for Windows Live Video Messages, and supposedly resembles Skype’s video messaging feature.

Skype’s new user interface is still being tested across clients, but it’s not the only new releases to look forward to. A Windows 8 version of Skype is on the way, along with integration with Outlook.com.

The new video messaging feature is interesting, although one might wonder how much use it’s going to see. Families and close friends sending a birthday message may find it handy, but most messages that need to be left for someone on Skype can easily be sent as text.

Still, there are some uses for it, perhaps for someone on-the-go with no time to type, just to talk, or for a “wish you were here” kind of video postcard. The common businessperson may also find a use for it.

As for the new design and UI, there’s nothing wrong with keeping things fresh. The current design works, but if the new one looks and works better, there’s certainly no harm in it. Windows 8 and Outlook.com integration will be useful as well, for those who aren’t interested in the other updates.

It may not be revolutionary, but it should be some nice improvements for Skype’s services.

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