Microsoft has announced an upgrade for its Skype app on iOS and Android in a blog post
In a blog post today, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) announced an update for its Skype application on Android by Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) and iOS by Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL). The upgraded Skype app can be downloaded on Google Play and Apple App Store, with specific enhancements rolled out for the iPad.
On Android, Skype 6.0 has been upgraded with a fresh and more attractive design, while bringing the app in line with the software’s overall appearance. The new Skype now includes a floating action button, similar to the one observed in the Gmail app on Android.
The small blue circle with the plus sign in the lower-right corner of Skype on Android, can be tapped to view numerous available options, such as recording a video message, chatting, or starting a video or voice call. Skype says the revamped app makes it easier for the user to view the number of unread messages at a glance.
Skype for the iOS, on the other hand, brings improved navigation options. Users can now scroll through conversations with more ease. Swipe gestures have been added for making calls and managing conversations. Swiping left to right on a contact shows calling options, while swiping in the opposite direction shows terminating options, such as deactivating message notifications for a specific contact or conversation, deleting a conversation, or to mark a message as unread.
The major upgrade in Skype though, is for the iPad. It makes it easier to send and receive photos and videos, share locations, and display emoticons that are larger in size than the ones on the iPhone. The upgraded Skype app on the iPad will most likely attract many users who were beginning to find it monotonous.
The enhancements have come only for the iOS and Android, although Skype 6.0 is also rolling out to other mobile devices. The reason Microsoft is upgrading its technologies and services is probably because of its plan to make a comeback on smartphones.
After the acquisition of Nokia's (NYSE:NOK) mobile business, the software maker has struggled with the smartphone side of things. In the past year, Microsoft lost its position as the world’s third biggest smartphone retailer. Since Windows 10 was rolled out as the standard operating system for all computing platforms, the company is possibly planning its comeback in smartphones through this. As the tech giant develops apps and enhances others, it is safe to assume that the company has tricks up its sleeve, after the mobile version of the new Windows is rolled out this fall.
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