Skype now works on Outlook.com, but who really needs it?

Microsoft says more talking and less emailing. In a new effort to get people even more connected the software maker has finally added Skype right into Outlook.com. Back in April the company released a preview, but now it’s fully integrated. It all basically means that users can now start a video, voice, or chat conversations from the web web browser — but is it really something necessary?

It’s not as simple as it sounds

First to get Skype on Outlook.com working you are require to install a plugin, which it doesn’t make much sense from the point of view that you can easily download and install a full version of the VoIP software.

Second, it appears that it only works with @Outlook.com email addresses, I’ve tried with a Hotmail account and the option to make a Skype call didn’t show up.

Third, you need to create a Skype account, if you don’t have one, not that big of an issue here, but the problem comes when you want to use an account that doesn’t match your email address. You’ll be prompted to merge your current Outlook.com address with Skype and if you already linked it with another email address, you’ll have to reconfigure your Skype account. This is not really flexible for people with more than one Microsoft email account.

SEE ALSO: How to unlink Skype and merge it with a different Microsoft account

Forth, this solution obviously isn’t for everyone, if your PC is running Windows 8 there is a good chance you already have the Skype Windows 8 app installed. And let’s not forget that Microsoft recently announced that the app will come preinstalled with Windows 8.1. If your PC is running Windows 7 and you used the VoIP service before, you probably already have the full version of the software setup in your system. Finally, Skype has an app for Windows Phone, Android, and iPhone, so changes are even higher you are already connected.

Fifth and last, get ready because you’ll be adding one more ringer to your ears. Yes, Skype will continue ringing on other apps in your PC, phone, and tablet, even after you’ve taken the call.

So now I am trying to understand who needs Skype on a web web browser? And the only thing I can think of are new users with an older versions of Windows, non-Windows PCs where the app isn’t installed, and in situations where the app isn’t working properly and you need an alternative way to call someone. (Beyond these examples, I’m all ears to hear different suggestions.)

How to make calls on Outlook.com? After going through all the facts and configuration, contacting someone using video, voice, or chat is a piece of cake. Just open an email and tap the smiley face at the upper-right corner of the screen, and start Skyping.

The company is making available the new service in six different markets: Canada, and the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Brazil, and France. Worldwide availability should come shortly.

Source Outlook Blog