Microsoft aims to create a unified messaging experience through the seamless merging of its Skype messaging service into the regular SMS app.
It was in January when Microsoft's vision of Skype's integration into Windows 10 Mobile was unveiled. The company even gave out the timeframe "before the end of the summer" as its target period for rolling out the beta version of the new messaging system in Skype.
One of the steps taken in preparation for the transition is by disabling the Skype app for Windows 8 which the company did right after releasing Windows 10. As a result, users had opted to switch to Skype's desktop app in order to continue accessing the service.
The plan also means that Microsoft will discontinue Skype as a standalone app on Windows 10 Mobile. In lieu of the app, the company will opt for creating messaging and video applications that are suitable for use on both PCs and mobile devices.
PC users, however, can continue using the Skype desktop app according to Microsoft. This will allow them to use all functions of Skype in a single place.
"In the Messaging app, Skype chats will be in the Skype Blue color to differentiate from SMS messages. Users can just dynamically switch between SMS and Skype Messaging at will," said Daniel Rubino of Windows Central.
In the meantime, Russian site OneTile claims it was able to get its hands on an early version of the new Skype messaging experience ahead of the official preview. The site says that the three apps (Skype, Messaging and Video) will be tightly integrated, making them available through a single download.
Once the download is complete, it will then allow Skype messages to be integrated with SMS and MMS. This way, the user can easily transition between the apps to provide an easier way to send messages to phone contacts.
OneTile adds that the Skype universal messaging app is running on Windows 10 Mobile with build number 10512. Since it is still in beta, users should expect to see some bugs or flaws in the app, something that is expected in unfinished software.
There's no word yet on when the new Skype messaging experience will become available to Windows Insiders. It could be anytime soon if Microsoft wants to stay true to its timeframe.
