Saturday 16 February 2013

Skype testing video messaging feature on Android, iOS and Mac


News has it that Skype is testing a new video messaging feature in a few countries, according to a report by AllThingsD. The popular video messaging feature is letting some of its users send across short video messages to their friends, if they are not available for a live chat. The messages can be as long as 3 minutes and for the moment, those using the latest version of Skype on Mac, Android or iOS can use this new feature.

Interestingly, those on other platforms will still be able to receive these video messages. This support for Windows, though, is conspicious by its absence, and Skype reportedly has confirmed that it is working to bring that ability to Windows by the end of April. The report quotes a spokesman as saying, "Video Messaging is in early release for testing in several markets for Android, iOS, and Mac with functionality to send and receive video messages." He added, "Users in these markets across all Windows desktop and mobile platforms can receive messages, too. We will have send capability in Windows by end of April."

In the future, Skype plans to introduce its video messaging feature across all platforms. Currently in its testing stage, the feature is available in a few countries like the US and UK. Skype is awaiting feedback on the feature before going big with it.

Late last year, reports had affirmed that Microsoft is phasing out Messenger and has started migrating contacts to Skype.

Skype, in a blog post, stated that Messenger users will be able to reach their Messenger friends on Skype. Messenger users will have the ability to instant message (IM) and video-call their contacts by updating to Skype.

According to Skype, this effort started with the release of Skype 6.0 for Mac and Windows, which allows users to sign into Skype using a Microsoft account. Now Messenger users need to update to the latest version of Skype, sign in using a Microsoft account and they will find their Messenger contacts moved there.

Skype states that over the next few months it will help users with the transition process and assist them with other information. To help users learn how to get the most out of Skype, the VoIP service states that they should be on the lookout for some special offers later this year as users join their Messenger friends in the migration.

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.

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