New Skype and Messaging app in Windows 10 for phones

Microsoft continues to innovate with their acquired chat client, Skype. There is now a browser based version, a Skype Studio TX HD version for broadcasters, and even a new version for Samsung Smart TVs.

Skype is launching a new version for the Windows 10 operating system. Much like Internet Explorer was built directly into the Windows operating system before this ran into problems with regulatory bodies over anti-competive practices, Microsoft is at it again by adding Skype as a natively installed chat client for Windows 10 for phones. You won't be adding it to the device, it'll already come as part of Windows 10 for phones whether you want it or not. Hopefully you will want it!

A new Messaging app will also come to the Windows 10 for phones mobile platform as well. The thinking behind the Messaging app is that users will be able to conduct conversations in one location, sync the experience across multiple devices all using Windows 10, and also switch easily between text conversations over Skype and sending SMS text messages.

Idea Is That Cross-Platform Windows Users Have One Univeral Chat System

The intention is that the user won't have to consider whether their friend is using Skype, WhatsApp or some other chat client because anyone with Windows 10 will have a copy of Skype installed. This should be a scary prospect for any other chat client because it may well have an impact on their profitability, however globally different countries and regions prefer various chat clients rather than everyone using the same one. As such, several chat clients are popular with users.

Cross-compatiblility With Rival Chat Clients Old Idea

This functionality is not unlike how the iMessages software works across multiple Apple computers and Apple mobile devices. Previous Windows Phone iterations included the promoted idea that their Messaging hub could be used to send SMS messages to Facebook Messenger uses too. Skype was also supposed to integrate in a similar way but that never quite worked out and so Skype was kept as a separate chat communicator rather than trying to be breach the chat client communication barrier.

Skype Integrated into Windows 10; Messaging App is not

Whilst Skype will be integrated directly into Windows 10 versions, the new Messaging app will not be integrated and should be downloaded from the Microsoft Store. The Messaging app will be a universal one so that it will play nice on Windows 10 on phones, tablets and PCs too. Likely the desktop version of Skype will offer more functionality than the mobile app versions despite being universal in nature.

Intelligent Software Determines Internet Connection & Best Communication Option

Functionality will include the ability to place voice calls, video chat calls or send text messages using the Skype contact list. Ongoing conversations will be synced across all Windows 10 devices. Skype is also being improved so that it can determine whether both parties in the conversation can handle a voice or video call or whether one (or both) of their internet connects can only handle text or SMS messaging currently, i.e. someone is on a weak 3G cellular connection.

Android App Currently Very Slow To Sync Conversations From Other Platforms

Let's hope that the syncing across platforms is improved over the current Android version of Skype which not only fails to change the home screen icon to indicate there is a new unread message waiting, but it also is ver slow to update new conversations that have been had on the Windows Skype desktop app bringing them over to the mobile app.

Skype Has Some Catching Up To Do

Skype has been losing ground against a host of other competitors not least of which is WhatsApp which uses your phone number as the username which is then easier to remember. Facebook Messenger and several other chat clients all have a decent slice of the global chat market. Certainly on the mobile chat platforms Skype is not the only game in town and often the weakest option. On the Windows desktop it is a different story entirely and Skype remains well positioned.