Donna Sarkar, a Software Engineer for Microsoft’s Windows and Devices Group, writes that although Messaging Everywhere feature was well-received by Insiders they believe that they “can deliver an even better experience through the Skype app”, and decided “not to release this feature as part of the Windows 10 Anniversary Update this summer.”
She says that starting with Build 14376, insiders would no longer be able to use the Messaging feature to directly send and receive text messages on their Windows phones to and from their Windows PC. However, replying to text messages on their PC via Cortana shall remain unchanged. In lieu of the Messaging Everywhere feature, the Windows 10 team will work to provide users with the same experience via Skype.
This is in line with Microsoft’s plan to integrate Skype calling, video, and messaging features into three new Universal Windows 10 app.
Separate Skype apps for Messaging, Calling, and Video
As previously indicated by Microsoft officials, users can get the Skype UWP app from the Windows Store in future updates of Windows 10. Microsoft says that they would still make the Skype Messaging, Calling, and Video apps separate but that the stand-alone task-based app for windows 10 and Windows 10 mobile users should still be available. A preview of the three is also bundled with these operating systems.
Microsoft’s FAQ page further indicates that “the Skype UWP Preview app has replaced the integration of Skype features into Skype video and messaging apps on Windows PCs and large tablets.”
In addition to Build 14376, Microsoft is also releasing Build 14372 for Mobile and PC to the Slow Ring. With the Windows 10 team working hard to perfect the builds, the release of the Windows 10 Anniversary Update should be all set for the summer.
