Microsoft is in gradually releasing a preview of its updated Skype for Windows Phone 8 application, The Next Web reports.

One of the main improvements to the app is that it keeps users online via the cloud without using up battery on the phone itself.

The company announced in late October plans to revamp its Skype, Twitter and Facebook apps for the new mobile operating system. Skype in particular plays an important role for Microsoft, since it paid $8.5 billion for it last year.

Over time, Skype will become Microsoft’s default communications software. Last week, the company announced that it will fold its Microsoft Messenger, which has an estimated 100 million users, into the service.