Microsoft teases Metro version of Skype for Windows 8 release

With just a week to go before Windows 8 and Windows RT hit retail availability, Microsoft has said surprisingly little about how Skype will work on the platforms. But with the launch of the new operating systems on Oct. 26, clues are surfacing that a touch-friendly version of the VoIP and messaging application is just about ready.

Reporter Ed Bott of ZDNet noticed the clues. One is a picture of Microsoft’s Surface tablet running what could very well be a Metro version of Skype (seen at the top of this post). Another is a page describing Surface’s software that says "Snap two apps side-by-side onscreen and do more at once. Use Skype to chat with friends while blogging, or record seminars and workshops while taking notes in OneNote."

A cached version of the Surface page, since taken down, also mentions "Stereo speakers and dual microphones tuned for Skype," Bott writes.

The Surface page specifically describes Microsoft's ARM-based tablet running Windows RT, the stripped-down version of Windows 8 that prevents users from installing desktop applications (other than a few pre-loaded programs including Office). So it can’t be talking about the desktop version of Skype.

The Surface itself ships the same day as Windows 8 and Windows RT. If Skype is capable of running on the Surface at launch, that could mean a Metro version of Skype will be in the Windows Store, making it available to any Windows 8 or Windows RT device.

We know a touch-friendly version of Skype must be coming to Windows 8 and Windows RT—it would be shocking for Microsoft to spend $8.5 billion on the company and not take such an obvious step. But still, there has been no official announcement on the timeline.

We asked Microsoft when Skype will be coming to Windows 8, and were told, "We’re really excited to be bringing Skype to Windows 8, as [Skype President] Tony Bates mentioned at the ATD [AllThingsD] conference. Unfortunately, that is all we have to share at this time." As for a specific release date, Microsoft said it would not comment on "rumors or speculation."