Microsoft integrating Skype into Windows 10 which will be a lot like Apple’s iMessage

Microsoft is integrating Skype Messenger into its Windows 10, which will allow users to chat or make audio/video calls to Skype contacts. The Verge says it looks similar to Apple’s iMessage and with this, the software giant revives the built-in messaging app in Windows 8 that died a sudden death in Windows 8.1 update.

At its Windows 10 press event in Redmond, Microsoft had revealed some details of its Skype integration but did not demo the new Skype messenger app on Windows 10 PC version. The new messaging app looks much like a lighter version of Skype and all conversations between phones, tablets and PCs are synced. This app also has the same circular window for contact photos and 2-panel interface like the messaging app in OS X.

Microsoft has already begun to link Skype usernames and mobile numbers so that you can easily find your friends who are using Skype even if you don’t know their user ID. Skype users will be able to chat easily with friends using this service, much like the iMessage. However, the advantage here is that since Skype is cross-platform, you can also chat with friends who are using Android, iOS, Windows, Blackberry and other devices while iMessage works only on Apple platform.

Windows 10 devices including phones, tablets and PCs will have Skype built into its communications suite. The phone version will allow users to send text messages too. It is also likely that Microsoft will offer this facility and sync state to the PC version as is available in iMessage because Windows 10 apps are going to be the same for PCs, tablets and phones.

Microsoft hasn’t revealed much about its plans for the Skype Messaging app, but as the company is going in for a simple integration of the Messaging app, using Skype is also going to be simple – just with your mobile number rather than complicated usernames.

 

Source Skype Blog

 

Microsoft integrating Skype into Windows 10 which will be a lot like Apple’s iMessage

Microsoft’s WindUp App for Windows Phone is NOT a Snapchat-Clone

Microsoft already has its version of an application which allows users to send self-destructing messages. It is named WindUp, and I quote from the app description, “Set a low limit to “wind up” your friends as they race to see what you’ve posted, or set the limit high to make your message last longer.” As of now, you might be thinking of similar apps like the Snapchat, the Slingshot of Facebook and Bolt of Instagram. However, despite all the assumptions that WindUp is made for competition, especially with Snapchat, Microsoft Research Lead Richard Harper insists that it is created for an ongoing research project. Since the photos, audios and videos are time-limited, it would allow them to look at more angles of content creation and exchange.

People who love variety would be jumping off their feet because of this news. But with all the choices served to us, why would a user pick WindUp over Snapchat or Slingshot or Bolt, you ask? First obvious answer would be because it is Microsoft-made. We all have our partialities when it comes to brand.

WindUp gives you the freedom to set the expiry time of the message and to limit the views. If you are using Windows Phone 8 and Windows Phone 8.1 good for you because you can install this for free right now! Not to give any bias, but the app is getting so many good reviews. Experience it yourself and have a lot of fun with your friends!

Microsoft’s WindUp App for Windows Phone is NOT a Snapchat-Clone