Microsoft is ramping up integration of Skype across its products, with the latest update now offering integration with its desktop e-mail tool, Outlook.
With the release of Skype 6.1 for Windows Desktop, Microsoft says users of Outlook 2010 or above will now see both the Skype online status and mood message of any contacts they have on Skype, in the Outlook contact card.
"You can start a Skype call or IM session directly from the card, without having to exit Outlook," says Microsoft. "We think Outlook users will love being able to quickly and easily connect to their Skype contacts directly from inside of Outlook."
Skype can also now be used to initiate a call to mobile or landline numbers from within Outlook. "You can call anyone as long as you have their contact information in Outlook, but you don't need to be friends on Skype. You can use your existing Skype credit or subscription to reach them."
Microsoft is consolidating its communication services to focus on two services - namely Skype and Outlook. Earlier this week, Microsoft also announced that as of 15 March, Windows Live Messenger users will be migrated to Skype. Hotmail users are also being moved to Microsoft's new Outlook.com Web mail service.
Apart from the Outlook integration in Skype 6.1, other features include an easier way to add contacts (by searching directly from the contact list) and a new profile design with more accessible account information.
Microsoft bought the popular VOIP and video calling service in 2011, for $8.5 billion, and has slowly been integrating the service with its products. Microsoft has said it is working on Skype integration for Outlook.com and a new Xbox client, expected to be released with a new console later in the year.
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