When Microsoft took over Skype there was heavy hinting that the video calling service would check into Outlook. If there was one major thing the email service needed in order to be able to compete properly with Gmail, it was this.
The Skype for Outlook launch hasn’t received the status of a worldwide roll-out as yet. It’s just a preview version which is being released in the UK for now. Those residing in the US and Germany can expect to welcome it in the approaching weeks. So those who’re on the receiving end of the service presently have four ways of communicating with contacts – email, video calls, audio calls or IM.
Those wishing to avail of the VoIP service will need to download a plug-in for their browser. This can be done from any of the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox or Internet Explorer, of course. The next step for users will be to hook up their Skype and Outlook accounts together. There shouldn’t be any issues with contacts since this data can be imported to the email facility.
But before downloading the plug-in users will have to patiently wait for the Golden Ticket to appear in their inbox. It is from here that they will be able to set up the feature by following the cues on how to get it going and all. There a few ways to start a conversation over the VoIP add-in. Users can click open the Messaging section and pin down the contact with whom they want to get in touch.
Another option is to click on a photo in order to dial up a friend or send a message to him or her. Users may also refer to the People hub and deploy a message or start talking to a contact in that list. There’s one more treat for those on Messenger – they can choose to call their pals from any Skype client or a web browser.
Sounds inviting? Microsoft plans to fine-tune Skype for Outlook by listening to feedback before letting it out in other parts of the globe. So those outside the UK, the US and Germany can anticipate a summer release for the enhanced email service.
