Skype to come pre-installed on Windows 8.1

Popular VoIP service Skype will be placed front-and-centre on Windows 8.1, a post on the Skype blog confirms. The service, like a host of other apps and services, will be built into the updated OS. Simply put, once users have got Windows 8.1 up and running on their systems, they will not have to bother with downloading the service – sign in and you’re good to go.

Skype goodness baked into Windows 8.1!

Today has been an interesting day for those awaiting the availability of Windows 8.1. Just this morning, we got to know that the update will be rolled out to users through the Windows Store on October 17 (7 A.M. Eastern Time). That means the digital update will be available in India by 4:30 P.M. IST on October 17.

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The new update, which was initially called “Blue”, comes with a host of improvements, according to the company. The blog lists the technical full retail launch as October 18, which will open up at midnight New Zealand time. Earlier reports indicated that Microsoft’s manufacturing partners are expected to receive the final RTM version of Windows 8.1 by the end of August, which should give them time to prepare for the launch.

Skype is already a popular service on the Windows 8 platform, and Microsoft has been updating it regularly too. In June this year, Skype for Windows 8 was updated with support for high definition (HD) video sharing. Depending on the sender's camera, available network bandwidth and receiver's setup on x86 devices, Skype users can send 720p video and receive 1080p videos.

The video messaging feature on Skype received improvements too. It claims to have improved the feature's stability and has even introduced improved notifications.