With Windows 8 coming out October 26^th, some may wonder what other programs and services will be upgraded to go with it. To answer that question, at least partially, Microsoft (News - Alert) has announced that a new version of Skype will be released on the same day.

The new Skype uses the Windows Messenger infrastructure to store pictures, video and other such content on Windows Azure. Users can also snap the new Skype (News - Alert) alongside other Windows 8 or RT apps, allowing them to continue using other programs and apps while remaining on their call. Not only that, but it will soon be upgraded with a video messaging capability, allowing users to leave short video calls for others who are away.

The user interface uses a tile-based style, designed to be used comfortably with either a keyboard and mouse or by touch. The new Skype is always on, so that recent chat messages and calls are shown as soon as it’s opened. Users can also directly call landlines and mobile phones with the dial pad, as well as viewing active subscriptions and recent calls.

“We are very excited about our first release of Skype for Windows 8 - and we hope you are too,” says Chief Development and Operations Officer at Skype, Mark Gillet. “Bringing Skype to a new platform is always both an opportunity and an adventure. We believe that Windows 8 is a leap into the future of easy and intuitive computing - we've built Skype to be with you on that journey and hope you will bring Skype along with you to share the experiences you care about with your friends and family.”

With Windows 8 going on sale in just a few days, we can look forward to seeing how the new and improved Skype works with it. Skype has always been a valuable tool for telecommunication, with quality voice and video over the Internet that anyone can sign up for, and it’ll be a pleasure to see how it’s improved.