Microsoft Updates Skype for Windows Phone; Adds Cortana Support

Microsoft on Thursday updated Skype for Windows Phone devices and this update (version 2.19) is available in the Windows Phone Store right now. For users on Windows Phone 8.1, Microsoft adds support for Cortana. Now, these users can give commands like "Skype call XYZ" and Skype will do so. Cortana is currently operational only in the US only but it will soon be available in other countries too. This could be an effect of Microsoft recently opening up Cortana integration for third-party developers.

The new version 2.19 of the Skype app also adds e-mail, texts and Skype updates to the Action Center in Windows Phone 8.1. Apart from this, the new version supports 51 languages, up from 19.

However, one of the most interesting and oft requested feature additions is - the ability to edit last sent message. This is like a godsend for people who are quick to respond to messages and as a result end up making mistakes often.

Finally, Microsoft also improves push notifications on Skype like it states in the release notes - "to get you quickly back into the conversations you care about." And of course, there are the usual general bug fixes and other improvements.

Besides featuring a bi-monthly update cycle, the Redmond giant is considering the expansion of Cortana and evaluating the merits of bringing it to other platforms like Android and iOS, apart from other form factors, like desktops, vehicles, and kiosks.

Also recently, Marcus Ash, Windows Phone Group Program Manager, had tweeted that Microsoft is all set to roll-out its voice-based virtual assistant Cortana to Windows Phone 8.1 devices in China and the UK within weeks, not months.