“With Windows 8.1, simply log in and you’re ready to go,” Skype said in a blog post. “By simply searching and adding contacts to your People list in Skype – the people you care about are at your fingertips, and you are in control of who those contacts are.”
In its own blog post, Microsoft said that “connecting and sharing should be a seamless part of every Windows experience.”
On Windows 8, Skype users have to download the VoIP app via the Windows Store. With the Windows 8.1 update – expected in mid-October – it will come pre-loaded with the operating system.
The updated OS will also include the return of the start button, which will appear whenever you move your mouse to the bottom right of the screen in tiled (or “Metro”) mode and will persist on the taskbar when in desktop mode.
The move to add Skype to Windows 8.1 is part of Redmond’s “One Microsoft” effort, which is intended to provide a unified experience across all services.
“With our apps and services that come with Windows 8.1, we bring to life the things that matter most to you,” Microsoft said. “Connecting with your family when you’re on the road, preserving and sharing the memories, getting what needs to be done – fast and efficient, and providing an experience for some serious fun along the way.”
The company promised more details about this connected experience in the coming months.
For more, check out PCMag’s Hands On With Windows 8.1 Preview and the slideshow above.
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