Microsoft revamps Skype for Outlook.com

It's not long since Microsoft started the rollout of a redesigned version of Outlook.com, and today the company gives Skype for Outlook.com a revamp. The update brings tighter integration between Outlook.com and the messaging tool.

In beta for the time being, the updated version of Skype for Outlook.com aims to make it easier to use the two tools together. It’s the same update that was rolled out on a preview basis to a limit number of users last month, but now it’s being made available to everyone.

Microsoft has not revealed anything about any other new features that might be added to the beta in the future, but for now conversation access and contact management is easier and more refined. Introducing the update in a blog post, Microsoft says:

Clicking on the Skype icon opens the Skype sidebar. From here, you can see which friends are online, view recent conversations and search for people on Skype. If you’re new to Skype, finding contacts is simple -- click on the magnifying glass in the sidebar to search for and add contacts directly in Outlook.com.

Pick up 1:1 conversations or group chats where they left off by clicking on the corresponding bubble on the right. Don’t worry; all of your Skype chat messages are synchronized across all of your devices.

If you want to use Skype for Outlook.com to make audio or video calls, you'll need to install the add-on for your web browser, and you'll be prompted to do this the first time you try to place a call.

The video below highlights some of the new features that are to be found on Outlook.com, including the update to Skype: