Skype is great for IM and video calling; however, there's one important feature the app has been missing for quite some time, and that is the ability to send video messages. That's all in the past now, as Skype is preparing to make video messages an important feature in the Skype app on the Windows desktop.

You can now give video messaging a spin by downloading Skype beta for Windows 7 and Windows 8, but note that only the desktop version of the app will have this function. Video messaging for the Windows 8 Metro version of Skype will come along in a later update; however, it is not known when users should expect it.

"To get the preview version of Skype Video Messaging, download the latest beta version of Skype for Windows desktop on Windows 7 or above (Please note: this feature will require Flash; the beta version of Skype for Windows desktop with Video Messaging in preview may not be available in all markets). This feature is also in preview for users of Skype for Mac, Skype for iPhone, Skype for iPad and Skype for Android. Skype for Windows 8 and Skype for Windows Phone users can also receive and view Video Messages; the ability to record and send Video Messages will be coming to these platforms soon," says the Skype blog.

The downside to this video messaging is the fact that it requires Adobe Flash to function. One would think that the Skype team would have had enough foresight to realize that Adobe Flash is dying, and that supporting a dead duck would not be a wise decision. Furthermore, the above blog statement says video messaging is also available for every other major mobile platform instead of Windows Phone 8, which could be a sign that the feature might not come along until the next update.

If trying to give Skype beta a test run doesn't work for you, it could mean the other parties might need to upgrade to the beta. We'll be updating you as to progress.