Microsoft adds cross-platform video chatting to Skype and Lync

Microsoft today announced new cross-app integration between Lync and Skype: video calling. The new feature works between Lync 2013 and the latest Skype for Windows desktop client, which you can download now from Skype.com. Back in May 2013, Microsoft made it possible for Lync and Skype users to instant message and make audio calls between the apps. At the time, the company said video calling was the “next priority.” Microsoft says that whether you’re using Lync or Skype, a video call works the same as any other call. The same options are available in both apps for starting, stopping, resizing, and maximizing video. You might be wondering what took so long for the functionality to arrive. Microsoft says the screenshots don’t do the implementation justice, as the company had to change a lot in the underlying media stack to enable the connectivity (particularly to ensure enterprises would be comfortable using it).