Skype integrated throughout Windows Phone - concept 2.0

Welcome to the new Skype 2.0 concept. Ever since Microsoft purchased Skype, we knew that the popular VoIP client was bound to end up complementing the Windows Phone platform. And sure enough, Windows Phone 8 comes with Skype integration, as it was officially stated yesterday during the Microsoft Developer Summit. That means Windows Phone users won’t have their Skype client going offline once it is suspended. In fact any VoIP client on Windows Phone 8 will be allowed to work in the background and now phone is able to receive an incoming Skype call just like any other call. Here is the example of the Skype toast system:

I have read most of the reviews in the Marketplace about the current version of Skype for Windows Phone. Most of them are really useful and I collect a lot of ideas and requests. So this concept will be and some kind of big feedback for Microsoft. Of course the biggest request – to work in the background is not a dream anymore, but only for Windows Phone 8. Does this mean that the Windows Phone 7.8 devices will state with the current version of Skype – we don’t know yet, but we can hope to fix at least these issues:

needs to improve connectivity through cellular network

background running

incoming Skype call to be just like any other call

better notifications and push services integrated in the the notification center

direct status update into the app, not in the browser

bigger and better quality profile pictures – current profile pictures are blurred or pixelated. For this feature pictures profiles needs to be changed in the whole Skype system to allowed bigger pictures – at least 256 x 256 or 512 x 512 pixels for the new WP8 resolutions

social integration – not only Facebook integration, but whit twitter too

better contacts management – just like in the desktop version. Type and hold the contact for more options, grouping, favoriting and more

copying of the messages

will be really cool to change the style of the desktop client with metro look – to complete the Windows 8

Here is the lockscreen example of Skype missed call or massage and the new look of the Notification center:

Currently the Skype is not feel as a part of Windows Phone – it’s a separate program with limited options for sharing information with other applications. In Windows Phone 8 this will be changed – with the direct integration of Skype into the People’s hub. There will be options to add different accounts and pin them on the People’s hub. This is a common view of the people’s hub to be more clear my idea:

The new Skype and Windows Phone come hand to hand – with the new Start screen we can add big Skype’s tile to see who is online. Now Skype is part of people’s hub. You can pin up to four contacts on the top for quick access and choose the preview mode – between thumbnail or list. Also you can choose the size of the contacts profile picture. Skype can be opened as a separate app, by typing the Skype’s tab. In this separate screen you have access to Skype’s history and file transfers. Of course Skype will be available as a separate icon and tile for quick access, not only from the People’s hub.

And here is the new Skype incoming call – it’s just like any other call, in-call menus and new profile’s screen with the latest user’s updates from twitter for example:

I hope so to enjoy this concept and I really hope Microsoft to pay attention.