Microsoft releases preview Skype app for Windows Phone 8
updated 05:46 am EST, Mon November 12, 2012
Preview includes always-on background service, full video chat
Microsoft has released a preview version of Skype for Windows Phone 8. Announced during the recent Windows Phone 8 event, the preview version includes the ability for the app to run as a background service, saving on battery power and processing, and for incoming Skype calls to come through to the handset in the same style as a normal phone call.
The new Skype lets Microsoft host your online presence on its servers instead of the phone, according to WPCentral, letting users be "always on" regardless of location. The visual style matches that of the Windows 8 app closely, full video chat is supported thanks to the improved hardware of WP8 handsets, and users can also chat while in a phone call.
While not appearing in the Windows Phone store via the smartphones, it does appear on the store's website, and measures 8 megabytes in size.
