Check out the preview for Windows 8 Skype video messages

Microsoft today announced the preview release of Skype video messaging for Windows 8, which means that anyone using the Metro side of the OS can grab it in the Windows 8 store.

Skype Video Messaging lets you record and send a video message to friends and family on Skype anytime, even when they’re unavailable; they can watch your Video Message next time they’re on Skype. Here’s an idea of what they’ll see if you send them a video message:

The Redmond-based giant has already released a version of Skype video messages preview for Windows 7 and 8, but that’s for the desktop version of Skype only.

Video messages is set to be the highlight of Skype 1.7 for Windows 8 when it launches later this year. The only other feature mentioned in the update is “general fixes”.

According to The Next Web, Microsoft is also planning to release the service on Windows Phone, but wouldn’t give a firm date on when. Windows Phone users will still however be able to receive and view video messages.

Given that Microsoft owns Skype, it’s interesting that it’s taken so long to bring the new feature to its own products. When video messages launched back in February, it was only available in its Android, iPhone, and Mac applications.