Microsoft is updating Skype for Windows Phone 8.1 today to enable full Cortana support. Users of the latest version of Windows Phone will be able to initiate voice or video calls without opening the Skype app, using Cortana’s voice control. Phrases like "Skype, get [insert contact] on screen" or "Skype, video call [insert contact]" can be used to start a call after holding the search button to activate Cortana. Microsoft has opened up this type of Cortana integration to third parties, so apps like Hulu will also take advantage of it in the coming months.

Other improvements in today’s Skype for Windows Phone 8.1 update include the ability to edit a last sent message, and improvements to push notifications and fast app resume. This latest version also increases the language support from 19 to 51 languages. Skype’s latest Windows Phone 8.1 update will be available today from the Windows Phone Store.