In June, Microsoft launched a fully revamped version of its Skype mobile app, packed with media-sharing, and other social expression tools, reactions, and even a Snapchat-like stories feature. Now, Skype’s desktop version has also been revamped, but its features aren’t as elaborate as the mobile app.
The desktop version of Skype has a more vibrant theme, with many calling it a “more social look at feel”. It has multi-coloured group chats, and interactive features such as emojis to ‘react’ to someone on chat or a video call. Also, one can see bright wavy lines in the chat window, indicating that the person you are chatting with is typing, and unread messages.
Frequent Skype users found the changes in the app to be radical, and it has received poor reviews on the App Store and Google Play. However, the desktop version is yet to get its share of feedback.
Six changes in Skype you need to know about:
- A media gallery on the right side of a group chat helps easily locate shared files, like documents, spreadsheets, photos or other media posted by members of a group
- Group calling has a new look and feel with features such as real-time screen and photo sharing, and emoji reactions
- @mentions are now possible on Skype; it’s become a necessity to address people in social interactions
- You can choose between a light and dark theme now, when you open skype, just so that you want to switch screens during day and night usage
- There’s a plus icon on the top left, which you can click to start chats, group calls, or avail bots for travel, work, entertainment and gaming
Don’t be surprised if you don’t find the Highlights feature that Skype introduced in its mobile app. In case you didn’t know, Highlights is somewhat like the Snapchat stories, which lets you put up a photo or video, decorate it with text and stickers, and post it for your followers to view anytime.
According to reports, Microsoft is still working on the Highlights feature, and one can expect it to be introduced soon.
The desktop app has been released as a Skype Preview for Mac users and those who don’t use Windows 10 PCs. Users of Windows 10 recently received some of the newer features in the Microsoft notes of last month.