<p>Though everything's on a preview basis as of the moment, Microsoft will soon be launching Skype video calling for its Outlook.com email service, which was announced on Monday, April 29. This marks another step on Microsoft's part to further expand Skype coverage across its different consumer electronics products and services.</p><p>The video calling feature, which is on limited preview, would allow Outlook.com users to start Skype video calls or text chats directly from the service's user interface online. Outlook.com is considered Microsoft's next-generation version of its old Hotmail web email service, while Skype was acquired by Microsoft in 2011 for the whopping sum of $8.5 billion. Since Skype's acquisition, Microsoft has slowly intensified its efforts in integrating the service across platforms and products. For example, the Skype PC program is a key part of the Windows 8 user interface, while Microsoft is currently transitioning MSN Messenger users, save for those located in mainland China, to Skype.</p><p>Skype integration on Outlook.com will start rolling out in the United Kingdom, followed by the United States, as confirmed in a blog post by Microsoft group program manager of connected services Douglas Pearce. According to Pearce, Skype can be used with one's existing Microsoft account, thus eliminating the need to create a new account. Those who presently own a Skype account will have to link these accounts to their Microsoft accounts in order to enjoy the additional features.</p><p><a href="http://usdailyvoice.com/microsofts-outlook-com-getting-limited-preview-for-skype-video-calling-2623.html">Keep reading...</a></p><p>Read also:</p><p><a href="http://www.mobiletor.com/2013/05/01/make-skype-calls-from-outlook-now/">Dial up Skype from Microsoft Outlook now</a> (Mobiletor.com)</p><p><a href="http://www.zdnet.com/uk/outlook-com-now-offers-skype-video-calling-directly-from-the-inbox-7000014700/">Outlook.com now offers Skype video calling directly from the inbox</a> (ZDNet)</p><p><a href="http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2013/05/briefly-skype-lands-on-outlook-up-fitness-app-gets-upgrade-20-off-itunes-gift-cards/">Briefly: Skype Lands On Outlook, Up Fitness App Gets An Upgrade, PHP ...</a> (Lifehacker Australia)</p><p>Explore: <a href="http://news.google.com/news/more?ncl=dSpIZq-JTUBfh_Mtb4EIcueWWsj6M&ned=us">125 additional articles.</a></p>