Skype now lets you sign up with a Microsoft account, updates its Windows Phone app

[wraggster]

http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/adam/37f0be42fb294f242fffbc1890d5a3fc/skypewplead.jpg (http://www.engadget.com/2014/02/26/skype-microsoft-account-windows-phone-app/)It's been a long time coming (http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/24/skype-6-0-for-mac-and-windows/), but Skype's revealed (http://blogs.skype.com/2014/02/26/get-more-from-skype-with-a-microsoft-account/) that folks can finally sign up for service using a Microsoft account. Skype believes this feature is perfect for users who perhaps want the least amount of logins possible, and it also points toMicrosoft's two-step verification (http://www.engadget.com/2013/04/17/two-step-verification-starts-rolling-out-for-microsoft-accounts/) as a benefit for having such an account. Meanwhile, the Windows Phone app has been updated (http://blogs.skype.com/2014/02/26/skype-for-windows-phone-8-2-16-improved-security-with-microsoft-account/) with a number of security improvements, plus an indicator which lets you know when the person on the other side is typing. As part of the integration (http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/06/microsoft-to-retire-messenger-begin-migration-to-skype/) with its parent company (http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/10/microsofts-acquisition-of-skype-for-8-5-billion-becomes-offici/), Skype will now require a Microsoft account (like the one used to set up your WP device) when registering for a new account through the application. This new version is only available for Windows Phone 8, however -- as you might recall, support for the app on earlier versions of the OS was cut off months ago (http://www.engadget.com/2013/09/20/microsoft-ends-skype-support-for-windows-phone-7/).

http://www.engadget.com/2014/02/26/skype-microsoft-account-windows-phone-app/