Microsoft has released Skype 1.6 to be used in devices running the Windows 8 operating system.
The update gives users more control over aspects such as who can contact them by adding the ability to block contacts, claims the company.
Other improvements in the revamped version of Skype include improved loading speed and reliability across the application, which is expected to improve contacts load speed.
In February 2013, Microsoft was reportedly planning to link its Lync enterprise IM, audio and video conferencing server with its Skype service by June 2013, to allow businesses to make calls and send messages to Skype users through the Lync service.
Microsoft spent $8.5bn for the acquistion of Internet voice and video communication provider Skype in August 2011, while the deal was completed in October.
