Microsoft announced an addition of Skype to its Outlook.com email service for all users in the United Kingdom, Monday 29 April, 2013.
After starting the free personal email service six months ago, Microsoft announced that the Skype audio- and video-calling service will be a part of Outlook.com inboxes across the UK and will include the service for all users in Germany and United States in the coming weeks. Microsoft has gained huge popularity with its free personal email service attracting over 60 million new users, which is the fastest growing email service ever.
With the preview version of Skype introduced in the UK, Microsoft aims to bring a healthy communication pattern without having to wait for long email replies. Users get an instant option to choose from email, instant message, audio call or even a video call to reply one another.
"Even with the best email service, sometimes text isn't enough. We all face those situations where it's just easier to jump on a call to talk something through. Sometimes that quick call can accomplish more than a long email reply. That's why we are bringing Skype audio and video calling to your Outlook.com inbox," Simon Longbottom, Skype's senior director of product marketing, said Monday in a blog post.
Outlook.com users are required to download a plugin for their browser and simply connect Skype to their Oulook.com email account and merge the accounts. Users can also merge their Skype contacts to Outlook.com.
Users can avail this audio or video call service using Skype with a single click. A video or audio call icon will appear on the IM conversations as well as on an email received in the inbox. By simply clicking the option will allow users to call right away. Skype audio or video call buttons will also appear on the contact details.
According to the announcement, the preview version of Skype is currently available in the UK, but in the coming weeks, all Outlook.com users in Germany and U.S. will be able to enjoy the service. Furthermore, the service will be globally available in all Outlook inboxes by this summer.
