It looks like Microsoft has finally got its act together, with a preview of Skype now available in the Windows Phone store ahead of a full release in a few weeks time.
One of the big features of Windows Phone 8 is its integration with the now Microsoft-owned Skype, however early adopters picking up a Nokia Lumia 920 or HTC 8X were left disappointed when not only was the app not pre-installed, it wasn't even available in the Windows Phone store.
The new Skype is deeply integrated with Windows Phone 8 and it will allow video calls to act alongside normal calls, making it easy for the user to launch into a face-to-face chat.
Work in progress
The details on the Skype app download page state that some features may not work correctly in the preview: "Some capabilities are work-in-progress and may not function consistently.
"This includes, but is not limited to: call reliability and the ability to receive incoming calls and chat notifications when outside of the app."
Skype for Windows Phone 8 also features "always on" functionality, meaning you won't need to sign in/out of the app and the way it's been engineered means it won't be detrimental to battery life.