In May, Microsoft added a way for users of its business-based Lync messaging software to communicate with Skype users via IM and audio for the Windows and Mac desktop versions. At that time, the company announced that video chat between the two clients was in the works.
Today, Microsoft showed off the first public demonstration of the Lync-Skype video chat feature as part of its second annual Lync Conference in Las Vegas. The demo showed a Microsoft rep using Lync to launch a video call to a nearby guitar shop that uses the Skype client. This feature is expected to be added sometime later in 2014.
In a post on the official Skype blog, Microsoft says that adding video chat between Lync and Skype will be very beneficial for both businesses and consumers. For example, Microsoft stated:
Enterprises will increase their use of video interviews, firstly during the initial screening process and then onwards through the selection process and follow-up. Skype, with its global reach and platform availability is ideal for this sort of Ad-hoc but also critical communications requirement.
The blog also points out that employees who use Lync on the road will be able to more easily keep in touch with family and friends who will use the Skype client.
The official Microsoft blog adds that more features are planned for Lync, including better support for older video teleconferencing systems. Today"s conference also showed off an upcoming Lync client made especially for Android tablets, which will be released later this summer.
Source: Microsoft | Image via Microsoft