Microsoft launches Skype for Outlook globally — and it should work properly now

The ceaseless ringing has finally come to an end.

Microsoft today made its Skype for Outlook.com plug-in available worldwide, adding HD video calling for PC users and fixing an irritating glitch that caused calls to continue to ring after recipients had picked them up.

This issue affected folks using the Outlook web version alongside the Skype desktop application. People complained the Outlook version would continue to ring after they picked up a call with the desktop client.

“We’re happy to share that in the new version now available we’ve resolved this issue,” wrote Skype marketing manager Karen Tong on the Skype blog.

Microsoft launched a preview version of Skype for Outlook in April 2013 in the U.S., U.K., and a few other countries. Once Outlook users install the updated plug-in — available for Firefox, Chrome, Safari, and Internet Explorer — they can use Skype’s messaging and video call features from within their inboxes.