It's no big surprise, but Microsoft officials are confirming that Skype will be one of the set of Microsoft-developed consumer apps that will be "in the box" with Windows 8.1.
In a blog post on August 15, Ryan Gavin -- the former Internet Explorer General Manager whose new title is General Manager of the newly created Microsoft Apps & Services unit -- confirmed Skype will be among the apps Microsoft ships as part of the Windows 8.1 package (for both Intel- and ARM-based devices). Other appss in that group include Xbox Music, Video, Games, SkyDrive, Internet Explorer, Photos, Mail, the Bing AppEx apps (like Sports, Finance, Travel) and more.
Read more at: Microsoft confirms Skype will be bundled with Windows 8.1 | ZDNet