Wednesday 21 November 2012

Now merge your Microsoft account with Skype for Android


Skype for Android devices recently received an update that allows users to sign in and merge their Skype account with their Microsoft account. Moreover, the design has been changed from ground up for Android tablets, as per the changelog on Google Play. Skype claims to have improved the audio quality on its service, while also doling out a host of bug fixes. To avail the update, users will need an Android device running v2.1 and up.

Skype to Skype IMs, video, and voice calls from the popular video calling service are free over 3G or Wi-Fi. Users can use their Android device to make low-cost calls and SMS to mobiles and landlines. In addition to this, one can send pictures, videos and files to their contacts.

Only recently, the company released a Skype app for WP8 for the Nokia Lumia 920, Lumia 820, HTC 8X and 8S. The app has been labelled a preview release, as opposed to a final version. The WP8 Skype app offers additional features over the original WP7.5 version, and offers greater connectivity with the rest of the phone. The biggest new feature of the app is the ability to be left on in the background. Skype contacts can also be seen in the People Hub, thus letting you start new conversations with just a tap.

Skype recently released its latest version, Skype 6.0, for Mac and Windows desktop users. The update brought to the table Microsoft and Facebook account integration. Users can now sign into Skype using either their Microsoft or Facebook accounts. In Skype 6.0, users can send instant messages to their Windows Live Messenger, Hotmail, and Outlook.com contacts via Skype. Users with Microsoft accounts can merge the MS account with Skype. All they have to do is sign in to Skype with their Microsoft accounts.

At the time, Skype announced that it has in the pipeline a feature with which users can make audio and video calls to Windows Live Messenger customers on Skype desktop clients. The feature will be rolled out in the weeks to come.

After the release of Skype v6.0 for Mac and Windows last month, Skype offered free international calling for a month. In addition to making free Skype-to-Skype calls, users can also call offline contacts on their mobiles and landlines. Skype stated that the free calling offer is worth 10.49 Euros, which roughly translates to Rs 726.

Mobile calling through Skype is available in select countries such as Canada, Guam, Hong Kong SAR, China, Puerto Rico, Singapore, Thailand, and the United States. Calls to landlines through Skype are available only in 40 countries, which do not include India. The free worldwide calling trial was to be redeemed before November 15, 2012, and after entering valid payment details. Upon the expiration of the free calling scheme, users will be billed according to normal tariffs, unless they cancel the scheme.

Head over to the Google Play store to download the Skype app for Android.

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