Ahead of the release of the Windows 8 optimised version of Skype, version 6 of the popular video calling and instant messaging service has been released simultaneously for Windows and Mac.
Skype 6 brings a number of new features such as a single sign-on with a Facebook or Microsoft account, multiple chat windows on Mac, support for Retina display, and a new simplified user interface.
The new integration with Facebook and Microsoft accounts allows new users to sign into Skype without needing to create a separate Skype account.
Microsoft acquired Skype early last year for $8.5 billion, and said it intended to integrate the service across a number of its products. The latest update reflects the increased integration as users who sign in with their Microsoft accounts will now be able to instant message friends on Windows Live Messenger, Hotmail and Outlook.com.
"We're working on polishing a feature which will enable audio and video calls to Windows Live Messenger customers using Skype desktop clients. The feature will be available in coming weeks," says Skype.
The user interface has also been "refreshed and flattened" in order to offer a less cluttered look and feel.
The Skype for Windows 8 app will be launched tomorrow together with the official release of Windows 8. The app has been designed to fit the Metro style of Windows 8 and can be fully integrated with the Windows 8 People Hub. This will allow users to pin their favourite contacts to the live tile and view notifications from the start screen.
In the meantime, existing Windows users and Mac users can download Skype 6 for desktops by following the links on the Skype blog.