Build 2016: Microsoft Skype bots preview announced

At Build 2016, one of the biggest announcements was around Skype. The company had put forth a demo explaining how Skype users can chat with Cortana, which in turn gets things done via third-party chatbots. Microsoft showed how these technologies work together to bring entirely new experiences. “The Cortana and Skype demonstration showed how Cortana, your personal digital assistant, can help you get things done directly in your Skype chats. For example, Cortana proactively helps you find information, manages your calendar and connects to other Bots that are relevant to you, all without leaving Skype,” it writes in a blogpost. Facebook is also known to do something similar with its assistant called M. The host of announcements also include Skype video bots for enhanced video calling experience. “Bringing intelligence into real-time video,” Lilian Rincon, Skype’s program manager said.

So, Microsoft has released some previews including a new Skype client, available on Windows, Android, iPhone and iPad. This will ensure that the Skype Bot experience comes to all. There’s also the preview of Skype Bots for users to experience and provide feedback, which is currently available in Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, India, New Zealand, Singapore, and US. A new Skype developer program at skype.com/developer is available for developers to start building bots right away. Preview Bots are available in the latest versions of Skype for Windows Desktop, Android, iPhone and iPad. Microsoft will allow developers to start coding bots from today.