Microsoft is aggressively integrating Skype into its ecosystem. Yesterday we reported that Windows Live Messenger would be discontinued on March 15th, forcing users to move to Skype.
Today, Skype released an update that brought along Outlook integration. You can now initiate a call or instant message using Skype from within Outlook. Skype will still work, even if the other party doesn’t have Skype installed. It will simply use your Skype credits to initiate a phone call.
To see the improved Skype integration with Outlook, hover over a contact’s name and a contact card will show up. You will be presented with options to call, instant message, video chat, schedule an appointment, and more. Skype has also updated its contact cards to be easier to read and edited.
Outlook integration with Skype will only work with Outlook 2010 and 2013. Mac users get an update too but it only allows making Skype calls directly from Safari. Microsoft doesn’t seemed too concerned about updating Office for Mac to be comparable to Office for Windows.
These may be small changes but they will help Skype become the dominant way Windows users communicate. You can read the full press release here.
