Hands-on with Messaging Skype and Skype Video Preview for Windows 10 Mobile

We've been playing with the unified Messaging Skype Preview app for Windows 10 Mobile that was recently updated. It integrates Skype messaging into the native text messaging app on Windows 10 Mobile. The download also installs a second app called Skype Video Preview that lets users call directly with video. Watch our hands-on video to see it in action.

When you open the Messaging Skype Preview, you see the conversations list right away. It displays the usernames of the contacts you've talked to. You can choose a Skype or typical SMS-style when creating a new message. You can also dynamically switch between Skype and SMS within a single conversation as long as the contact's information is linked together (Skype and personal number). Messaging Skype Preview also asks if you want it to be the default messaging app on Windows 10 Mobile. You can change this default behavior by going to the settings within the app.

From the same download, you also get Skype Video Preview. When you open this app, there's a preview from the front facing camera on top and the call history at the bottom. Tapping one of the names in call history immediately calls that person via video. Tap the Contacts button at the bottom to call other people. We like this app because it's a fast way to initiate a Skype video call.

Download Messaging Skype Preview from the Store if you haven't done it yet and let us know what you think in the comments!

Download Messaging Skype Preview for Windows 10 Mobile

Mark Guim

Mark Guim is Video Editor at Windows Central. He switched to Windows because the MacBook Pro isn't Pro enough. You can follow him on Twitter at @markguim.