Microsoft Corp. has launched Skype for its Webmail service Outlook.com to allow users to make Skype voice and video calls without exiting their mailboxes.
In 2011, the software giant has successfully acquired Skype for $8.5 billion. The acquisition "represents a huge leap forward in Skype's mission to be the communication choice for a billion people every day. Joining forces with Microsoft is the best way to accelerate this mission and capitalize on our position at the intersection of social, mobile and video communications," said Tony Bates, former CEO of Skype and former executive vice president of Microsoft's business development and evangelism, in The Official Microsoft Blog.
After closing the deal, the software giant has worked continuously on incorporating Skype into practically every part of the company's technology portfolio. To note, Skype is now incorporated in the new Microsoft operating system, Windows 8.1, and the game console, Xbox One.
However, use of Skype while using the Outlook.com plug-in has brought users around the world annoyance as Skype continuously rang even after being picked-up.
To fix this issue, Microsoft ended up incorporating the voice-over-IP and instant messaging service to Outlook, eWeek reported.
"With Skype for Outlook.com, you can easily connect with your Skype friends right from your Outlook.com inbox, so you can go from chat or email to a video call with just one click. If you haven't had a chance to it check out, getting started is easy," said Karen Tong, a senior product marketing manager for Skype, in a blog post.
To enable the feature, users just need to download and install the plug-in, link your Skype account to Outlook and start a video call or send a message without leaving the Outlook inbox.
Additionally, an updated version of the browser plug-in now supports the Internet browser Safari in Mac OS X. The updated version lets users make high-definition video calls, provided that they have compatible HD displays, Web cams, messaging clients, and high-quality broadband Internet connection.
