Skype will come with Windows 8.1, Microsoft confirms

The popular video chat and instant-messaging app will replace the current Windows 8 Messaging application.

Lance Whitney Contributing Writer

Lance Whitney is a freelance technology writer and trainer and a former IT professional. He's written for Time, CNET, PCMag, and several other publications. He's the author of two tech books--one on Windows and another on LinkedIn.

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Lance Whitney

Aug. 15, 2013 9:37 a.m. PT

Consumers who upgrade to Windows 8.1 will find Skype already part of the package.

Microsoft confirmed Thursday that Skype will be included in Windows 8.1 right from the get-go. In a blog announcing the news, Microsoft emphasized its theme of connecting and sharing:

We believe that connecting and sharing should be a seamless part of every Windows experience. Over 300 million people today use Skype for the most personal connections in their lives, sharing those everyday moments big and small across messaging, audio and video calling. With Windows 8.1, Skype is included right from (the) Start, making your new Windows device the best way to stay close and connected.

Reports had already surfaced that Skype would be built into Windows 8.1, replacing the Windows 8 Messaging app. Leaked earlier this week, the latest Windows 8.1 build includes a preinstalled Skype.

Microsoft said it received valuable feedback on the Skype for Windows 8 app and promises to listen to feedback about the Windows 8.1 version.

Windows 8.1 will debut worldwide on October 18.

(Via The Verge)