Snapchat is one of the most popular apps out there, and Microsoft is aiming to cash in on its success with its own version of the app. The new product in question is called 'Skype Qik' and its main purpose is to send video message to friends, unlike Snapchat that is mainly centered around sending images.
This is the first Skype related app Microsoft has released since the original Skype app, and we have to say after substantial use, it should not be viewed as anything special. It's a watered down Snapchat, and whatever the app is capable of doing, this capability can also be achieved via WhatsApp or Snapchat itself.
With the likes of Snapchat, users can take images and videos, and even go as far as adding annotations to these contents. However, Skype Qik is all about taking videos with nothing that sets it apart. So unless Microsoft is aiming to add missing features in the weeks to come, we see no reason for Windows Phone, Android, and iPhone users to give this app a chance.
How does it work?
The whole thing is as simple as it gets. Setting up the app is similar to how one would do it on WhatsApp since Skype Qik requires the mobile phone number of the user. Once that is done, the user will be brought to the main page where the option to record a video and send to friends is situated at the top.
Since the app requires the mobile phone number of all users, it is capable of creating a contact list of all the folks in the device's contact book. This way, users can easily send invitations to their friends to jump on board.
We won't lie here; Skype Qik is not a bad app, it is just not good enough to push folks away from Snapchat. Unless Microsoft moves quickly to differentiate this well designed app from the many competitors out there, then chances are Skype Qik will eventually go the way of the dinosaurs before long.
We hope Microsoft bounces back with a decent app in version 2.0 because Snapchat is in terrible need of a worthy competitor, and Skype Qik is far from ready to take on that role.
