Microsoft launches Skype Video Messaging preview for Windows users

Microsoft has launched the preview of Skype Video Messaging for Windows desktop version of the app on Windows 7 or above. However, the feature is not available yet on Skype for Windows 8, the Metro UI/ Modern UI version of the app.

Through Skype Video Messaging, users can record a video message of up to 3 minutes and send it to people on their contacts list any time, even when they're offline. The recipients will be able to watch the video message when they sign-in next time.

To get access to the Skype Video Messaging preview, users will need to download the latest beta version of Skype for Windows desktop on Windows 7 or above. However, Microsoft mentions that the beta version of Skype for Windows desktop with Video Messaging in preview may not be available in all markets and that it requires Adobe Flash player to be installed.

The video messaging feature is already available as a preview for users of Skype for Mac, Skype for iPhone, Skype for iPad and Skype for Android. It was first launched in February, initially available to Skype users in the US and UK. The Video Messages feature is part of Skype Premium, and users can send 20 free messages after which they need to subscribe to Skype Premium for a monthly fee of $4.99 (if subscribed annually) in order to continue using it.

While Skype for Windows 8 and Skype for Windows Phone users can also receive and view Video Messages, they can not record and send Video Messages, at this point in time. According to Microsoft, the functionality would be extended to these platforms in the near future.