Skype rolls out video messaging service to all users

The VoIP service Skype has rolled out its video messaging service, which enables users to send recorded video messages to contacts who are not online, to nearly all users of the service.

The new feature, found under the 'Video Message' button, enables users of Skype to send recorded video messages of a maximum of three minutes, free of charge, to other Skype users who are not online. When the recipient next logs into the service they can simply retrieve their message, in a similar manner as one would a voicemail, but here with video.

The service, launched earlier this year, was previously only available to users of Skype on Mac, Android and iOS and was in Beta format. However the video messaging service is now out of Beta and available to nearly all users on devices and platforms including Windows 8, Windows desktop, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android and BlackBerry; there is no mention of Windows Phone on Skype's official blog post.

Users send a video message by selecting a recipient, who is currently offline, selecting 'video message,' tapping 'record' to begin recording their message, and again to stop, then clicking the envelope button to send their video. Additionally users can replay their videos to ensure they are happy with them before sending them to the recipient.

Recently Chinese Skype competitor Jego, from network carrier China Mobile, announced a worldwide rollout of its service. Jego, also a VoIP service, works on a very similar principle to Skype and includes features such as free calling and messaging between users.