SOFTWARE HOUSE Microsoft has released a preview version of Skype for Windows Phone 8, two weeks after the mobile operating system’s release. On Friday, Microsoft told The INQUIRER that Skype would be “coming soon” to Windows Phone 8, following complaints from early adopters. It looks like the firm has stuck to its promise, as Skype is finally available to download from the Windows Store on Windows Phone 8. However, Microsoft is keen to point out that it’s a Preview version of the full app, which means “experiences are not yet final”. According to Microsoft, this means that some capabilities – such as People Hub integration and background functionality – are still work in progress and might not function consistently yet. Still, we managed to download the app onto our Windows Phone 8 powered Nokia Lumia 920 handset and didn’t notice any issues at the time of publication. Skype for Windows Phone 8 – much like its IOS and Android counterparts – has the abilities to make free video and voice calls over 3G and WiFi, and to send and receive free instant messages. Unlike Skype’s other apps, however, it comes styled to tie in with the Windows Phone 8 interface, and its icon is a resizable Live Tile.
