Skype for Outlook.com launches in UK today, United States and Germany next

Microsoft has announced that it is rolling out a preview version of Skype for Outlook.com in the United Kingdom that will allow users to make audio and video calls directly from their inbox.

Available from today, Skype for Outlook.com requires a one-time download of a browser plugin for Internet Explorer, Firefox or Chrome. Once installed, users simply connect Skype to Outlook.com and merge their contacts.

You can then launch a Skype window by hovering your mouse over a contact’s picture and clicking on the audio or video call buttons that appear. There are also call buttons that show during an IM conversation.

"With Skype for Outlook.com, you can choose the right medium for your message, whether it is an email, call, video call or instant message," Simon Longbottom, Senior Director, Product Marketing Skype said.

The service will be arriving in the United States and Germany in the coming weeks, with worldwide availability expected in the coming months.