Skype has announced a major update to its user interface on iOS and macOS.
The company, owned by Microsoft, said it offered an “improved, faster, reliable, and super modern-looking Skype,” modernizing the most important elements of the platform, with new themes, layouts, and call stage to make Skype more attractive.
Speaking of the launch of the redesigned app, a spokesperson for the company said: “We wanted to make sure the app still felt familiar while we modernized the look and feel and made the experience more inclusive.”
It’s the latest attempt by Skype to make its platform more appealing to consumers following the success of platforms like Zoom and Google Meet during the COVID-19 pandemic. Skype had a unique opportunity to stand out from the crowd and win over new corporate clients and consumers but seemingly failed to do so, with users preferring other platforms because of their speed, functionality, and reliability.
A new ‘together’ mode allows users to appear in a grid, even when they’re not sharing their video, and audio-only participants are now more prominent in calls.
Chat headers have been upgraded, group avatars are new, and button gradients have changed, making the platform much more visually appealing than the likes of Zoom.
Microsoft has also launched a new product called Meet now, where you can join Skype calls with one link, without the need to download Skype or sign up for an account. Apple recently launched its own version of this feature as part of iOS 15 FaceTime. The company says that Skype will now work in all browsers, and you can enjoy a “great experience” regardless of the platform you’re on.
Perhaps one of the most exciting features coming to the update is Universal Translator, which allows you to communicate in your language and work with a real-time translator. Skype says this is an affordable, real-world service that should be useful for businesses looking to conduct international trade.
Are you excited to hear about these features? Let us know and check back soon for more.
