Software giant Microsoft on Sunday rolled out a preview version of the new Skype app for Windows Phone 8.

First announced on Oct 29 at the Windows 8 phone launch, the updated version of Skype is now available for free download from the Windows Phone website.

"Skype for Windows Phone 8 isn't just about the design - we've built a completely new app from the ground up to be an important part of the Windows Phone experience," Microsoft said on its official blog.

One of the main advantages of using the latest version is that the app will let users stay online without consuming the phone's battery power phone through the cloud system. The user will be able to chat and receive notification of video calls even when the phone is locked.

"Skype notifications can be added to the lock screen to appear alongside missed calls, unread emails and text messages, so there's no need to unlock your phone to check if you've missed a message or call in Skype," Microsoft added.

The Windows Phone website said that all the features listed on Skype Preview for Windows Phone 8 may not function at the moment since Microsoft is still working on the app. The preview app can be downloaded only on Windows Phone 8. Apart from making video calls, Skype to Skype voice calls, users can also place calls to mobiles and landlines at a low cost.

Check out the video to see new features of the preview version.

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