The new form of communication - called Video Messages - can be up to three minutes long and sent to all contacts, whether or not they are currently logged on, reported Skype, which is owned by Microsoft.
To start a recording, click on the Video Message option and then Record.
There's an option to review the message or delete it before sending. It's a free feature with no limitations, available in Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and Blackberry versions of Skype.//DPA