Remember when Skype got rid of its Windows Store app and replaced it with three separate and let’s face it pretty basic apps in Windows 10? Well it looks like Microsoft have taken on board some of the feedback and are bring back a unified Skype app in form of a new UWP app for Windows 10.
Today on the Skype Blog Microsoft have announced that a new Skype Universal Windows Platform Preview will come to Windows Insiders in the coming weeks. Microsoft say this is a result of feedback and the new UWP app looks very look like a modern version of the existing Skype desktop app. The initial version will enable you to sign in to the app with a Microsoft Account and link a Skype ID and include many features of the desktop version:
Sign in with your Microsoft Account and link a Skype ID
Show and change your availability
See a list of your existing Skype contacts
Initiate a chat with anyone in your contact list
See that the other person is typing
Logout
Make one-to-one voice and video calls and send messages
Personalize your experience with emoticons and Mojis
Send photos
See notifications for incoming calls and messages outside of the app
Participate in existing group chats
Microsoft say in the future the app will also support group messages and group voice and video calling. They are also adding screen, file and video messages.
Start a chat with anyone using Skype or not using Skype
Create a group and send group messages
Group voice and video calling
Share your screen, files and video messages
Manage notifications from individual chats
And much more…
Microsoft’s long term plan is to bring all the desktop features to the UWP app and the app will also come to Windows 10 Mobile. The preview app will be available in the store for Windows Insiders with the next build.