Skype will come with Windows 8.1, Microsoft confirms

C/NET ^ | 08/16/2013 | Lance Whitney

[SeekAndFind]

Skype for Windows 8. (Credit: Microsoft)

Consumers who upgrade to Windows 8.1 will find Skype already part of the package.

Microsoft confirmed Thursday that Skype will be included in Windows 8.1 right from the get-go. In a blog announcing the news, Microsoft emphasized its theme of connecting and sharing:

We believe that connecting and sharing should be a seamless part of every Windows experience. Over 300 million people today use Skype for the most personal connections in their lives, sharing those everyday moments big and small across messaging, audio and video calling. With Windows 8.1, Skype is included right from (the) Start, making your new Windows device the best way to stay close and connected.

Reports had already surfaced that Skype would be built into Windows 8.1, replacing the Windows 8 Messaging app. Leaked earlier this week, the latest Windows 8.1 build includes a preinstalled Skype.

Microsoft said it received valuable feedback on the Skype for Windows 8 app and promises to listen to feedback about the Windows 8.1 version.

Windows 8.1 will debut worldwide on October 18.

[discostu]

And there goes any possible improvements to the stability of Windows 8.

[Billthedrill]

Because there weren’t enough security holes already.

[SeekAndFind]

More here:

http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/microsoft-confirms-skype-will-be-come-bundled-in-windows-8-1/

Skype joins the Start screen club, will come pre-installed in Windows 8.1

It’s just one Microsoft Windows announcement after the other lately. Yesterday, we heard the official news that the company will release the Windows 8.1 update to the general public starting October 17. Now that that cat is out of the bag, we have a feeling that the upcoming weeks will result in more and more Windows 8.1-related announcements. Today, on Microsoft’s Windows Experience Blog, the company announced Skype will bundled with Windows 8.1

Users will no longer have to download the Skype app again as Windows 8.1 will have it already installed. All you have to do is log in. Skype will be the “default communications experience in Windows 8.1,” according to Microsoft, since it will take over for Microsoft’s Windows 8 messaging app.

According to the company’s rather large infographic, our
Skype instant messages will “snap to the side as you’re watching a show or playing a game.” We’re looking forward to seeing this in action, as we’ve certainly had our share of instant messages pop up and distract our game play.

Skype will also give users the ability to flip between an audio or video call and an instant message, as well as share files, photos, or video messages. Skype in Windows 8.1 will also feature the ability to answer voice and video calls from a lock screen – a huge boon for anyone who buys one of the upcoming 7- or 8-inch Windows 8.1 tablets.

We’re just a little more than two months away from Windows 8.1’s release, so stay tuned for more updates.

[NonValueAdded]

Windows 8.1 will come with Skype seems the better headline.

[Jess Kitting]

Skype will come with Windows 8.1, Microsoft confirms

That's great. When I get Skype, I can get Microsoft Windows 8.1 for free!

I guess if Windows 8.1 comes with Skype, I'd have to pay (for Windows, that is).

[Mad Dawgg]

I'll Start using Windows 8 about the time Windows 9 comes out.

I luv Windows 7 and it is working great on all of my machines...

[moose07]

Windows 9 will be an ‘Odd’ number so if history is anything to go by...it should be good.
Best leave it an extra year. :)

[The KG9 Kid]

Behold, the latest chapter in Microsoft's 18-year quest to allow their operating system users the ability to communicate with one another.

Microsoft Phone
Microsoft Comic Chat
Windows MetMeeting
Windows Messenger
MSN Messenger
MS Office Live Meeting
Windows Meeting Space
Microsoft SharedView
Windows Live Messenger
Microsoft Lync
Skype

Billions spent, and lots of that trashy old code in the form of various .DLL and .OCX controls and associated registry keys still clutter your MS Windows operating system installation.

Oh, screw it. We'll just buy Skype.

[KarlInOhio]

Will it even include predefined friends who can drop by and open up your camera, microphone and file system any time they feel like?

[SeekAndFind]

RE: Windows 9 will be an ‘Odd’ number so if history is anything to go by...it should be good.

Isn’t 8.1 essentially an Odd number?

It was Windows 3.1 that became a hit in the early 90’s if I remember correctly...

My feeling is Microsoft has become a victim of her own success. So many people love Windows 7 that they SWEAR to keep it for as long as they can.

[moose07]

Well 3.1 and 8.1 do both follow the theory.
I'm going to stay with XP and Seven for as long as the hardware hold out, unless 8.1 follows true to theory.

“My feeling is Microsoft has become a victim of her own success.”
Yes and no. If 7 had been rubbish i would now be with either Apple or Linux.
So not a victim, because they are retaining Customers who know to be careful.

[LonePalm]

It came with Windows 7 Home on the computer I got on Tuesday. I had a hell of a time disabling it. One of my biggest problems with Windows is turning OFF so much of the stuff that came with it.

Garde la Foi, mes amis! Nous nous sommes les sauveurs de la République! Maintenant et Toujours!
(Keep the Faith, my friends! We are the saviors of the Republic! Now and Forever!)
LonePalm, le Républicain du verre cassé (The Broken Glass Republican)

[AndyTheBear]

I have a new computer and have this “version” of skype on my start up. Tried to sign in and use it, and it gave me nothing but hassles. Finally got old style skype downloaded after learning it was a new “improved” version for windows.