Skype for Windows 8's app bar--invoked by swiping up from the bottom of a touch screen or right-clicking the mouse, shows recent conversations in large thumbnails along the top, and displays buttons at bottom right for adding Skype contacts or phone numbers.

The People page shows a touchable grid of all your Skype contacts. Unfortunately, you can't use the Search charm to find a particular contact.

By default, your Skype video calls are full screen, whith controls along the bottom for turning the camera and microphone on and off, starting a chat, or ending the call. The caller's image also shows in a small box at lower right.

When you start an instant messaging session with your video caller, it takes up half the screen, which seems like overkill.

Skype's phone dialer--available if you buy Skype credits or a calling subscription--is modern and touch-friendly. It also shows your credit and recent calls.