(Image Source: The Verge ) BY CHRISTIAN BRYANT Messaging service Skype brought users even further into the future of communication with the beta version of a new messaging feature. The Microsoft-owned company debuted video messaging, which allows users to record messages up to three minutes in length and send them contacts who are online or offline. [via YouTube/Skype] According to TechCrunch , it’s “ Essentially like a video voicemail option.” Skype made the not-yet-finished feature available to Android, iOS and Mac users in the U.S., the U.K. and other unspecified countries. Ironically, though, the company left one group of users on hold. Microsoft bought Skype in 2011 for $8.5 billion... [via ZDNet] ...but sources report the update isn’t quite available for Windows, a division of the Microsoft corporation. Windows platforms — including Windows 8 and Windows Phone — can only receive messages and videos appear as links instead of video clips Skype’s chat box. [via YouTube/WindowsPhone] Regarding the Windows availability, a Skype spokesperson said, “ We’re pleased that there’s interest for Video Messaging to come to Skype for Windows and Skype for Windows 8... We’ll let you know when we expand the service to the platform.” [via The Verge] Skype isn’t the only company with new messaging features. Facebook recently added the ability to leave voice messages for it’s iOS and Android messenger app... [via Mashable] ...and the Blackberry 10 debuted with the 12-person capable ooVoo video chat service. The Verge adds that the Skype video messenger is a part of Skype Premium. It notes you get 20 video messages for free. After that, you’ll have to pay $4.99 a month to continue using the feature.