Microsoft using India as a testing ground for new Android dialer app

Microsoft continues to show that it is interested in mobile platforms other than its own. The company has placed an increasing importance on iOS and Android, and new reports reveal that the Skype team has developed a new Android dialer app that is currently destined for India.

As the app comes from the Skype team, it seems reasonable to assume that Skype integration is to be expected -- blurring the boundaries between cellular and web-based calls. India is a sensible testing ground for such an app, but it's likely that it will also spread globally as well as to other platforms.

Gadgets 360's sources say that while Microsoft is focused on the Android version at the moment, the Dialer app is also destined for release on Windows 10 Mobile. A release date of mid-December has been suggested for the Android version which will function on 3G data connections as well as 2G networks -- which will come as excellent news for anyone living in an area with a patchy signal.

Speaking to Gadgets 360, a Microsoft spokesperson said:

As part of the ongoing improvements to deliver the best experience possible to our users, we are always innovating and occasionally test out new features and functionality on small groups of users in different markets. If you live in India and have an Android phone and would like to get involved, sign up to our Pre-Release program via the Skype Community page.

While Skype certainly has a dedicated following, it's unclear if it has enough clout to take on the likes of WhatsApp.

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