Skype Preview for Windows 10 Mobile released with SMS support

Microsoft will release the Windows 10 Anniversary Update on August 2, and Skype Preview will be the new application replacing replace the existing Skype and other messaging applications introduced last year in Windows 10. The new Skype Preview is currently being tested by users who registered for the Windows Insider Program and those who own a Windows 10 Mobile device.

According to the Skype Garage Blog, “This release brings one of our most requested Skype features to your Windows 10 phone: the ability to make group video calls. You can have up to 25 friends and family come together on a free group video call, talk face-to-face with a 1:1 call, message your friends in an instant to share photos, video messages, your location and even send emoticons and Mojis to liven up your conversation. You can also quickly reply to Skype messages – no need to open Skype.”

Recently, Microsoft pulled the Messaging Everywhere feature from the Anniversary Update Preview for both Slow and Fast Ring Insiders, saying the company has bigger goals of introducing SMS messaging into the Skype app. While no specific date was set for the release of this feature, some users have expressed their indignation at the decision.

Gurdeep Pall, Corporate Vice President of Skype, explained why it’s in the user’s benefit to embrace the unified experience: They will rely on Skype app for Windows 10, which will still be linked to the People and Messaging apps. With the introduction of unified Skype client, Messaging Everywhere will be also extended to other platforms. The application itself has gone through many changes lately, now supporting 300MB file transfers, bots, and SMS relay, which will help Skype become more popular than before.

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• Skype UWP for Windows 10 Mobile available for Insiders