Microsoft has released version 7.0 of Skype for Mac, as well as a new preview version for Windows.
Both the Mac and Windows versions of Skype have been redesigned to offer improved chatting and file sharing features.
"If you're already using Skype on mobile, you'll recognize some of these changes," said Skype officials. "We've made the Skype experience consistent whether you are using your mobile device or your desktop PC. Now, you'll see thumbnail pictures of your contacts, a new bubble-style chat design, and consistent icons for chat, video calls and audio calls."
While some of the design changes might take some getting used to, the aesthetic changes aren't the only things that have been improved. The new version of Skype also has a number of functional improvements, such as the ability to view shared image files instantly once they're downloaded instead of having to click small icons to view or preview them.
Apart from images, sharing other types of files is now much easier. When an Office document or PDF is shared, users will see a small file icon in case they need to go back through their chat history to find the document.
Users will also be able to multitask between voice and video calls thanks to the new side-by-side design. Users can now continue to chat with one contact while video calling another.
"People love multitasking," said Tom Huang in a blog post. "Many of you already exchange IMs while on a live call today. With the new side-by-side design, you can effortlessly multitask on a voice or video call."
The redesigned interface includes a bubble-style chat design next to thumbnails of contacts with icons to chat or video call these contacts.
Some suggest that the new design will be helpful in the new version of Windows, Windows 10. If it is intended for that, the app will likely snap in one of the four corners that Windows 10 offers, ideally saving space and being more efficient for users.
While most will find that the interface certainly looks better, some will be frustrated at the fact that shared photos largely dominate the chat area on the screen. This can be especially frustrating when trying to scroll back through a conversation.
Skype also announced that the free group call feature should work better on both Mac and Windows.
