Microsoft is giving Skype a major makeover. With a new design and more social options, the app should look more like apps like Snapchat and WhatsApp.
Skype update announced
Skype has been in the hands of Microsoft for almost six years now. Since then there have been several design changes and new functions added. Think of video calling with a group or Skype in the browser. Now there is another major update to compete with popular chat services.
The update was announced by Microsoft. Skype has been completely rebuilt and should make it much easier for you to connect with family and friends. The emphasis is on conversations, not necessarily via calling, but also with text messages. The app does this with three components: ‘find’, ‘chat’ and ‘capture’.
Inspiration from Snapchat
Find allows users to search through conversations, as well as images or extensions. For example, additions such as YouTube and Giphy can be used to enrich conversations. In the Chat section you can have conversations as usual. The biggest innovation is Capture, which guides the user to a camera. With this you can tap for a photo, or hold down the shutter button for a video.
That Skype has also taken a good look at Snapchat, is evident from the Highlights function, for example. It works like Snapchat’s Stories, which have already been copied by apps such as Instagram and Facebook. With Highlights, users take photos and videos that others can watch one after the other. They can also respond with emoji.
Drawing and emoji
Calling, for which Skype is known, has also been overhauled. This should not only run more smoothly, but during video calling it is also possible to drag texts or emoji over the image, for example. Later on you should also be able to play games or watch videos together.
The new Skype app is rolling out on Android from today. The updated iOS app will not appear until a few weeks later. After the summer, the apps for Windows and Mac will also receive an update.