Android Skype 8.68 Update: Blur Effect May Allow Users to Hide Embarrassing Background

Skype's Android version will soon have the iOS version's blur feature! The video platform's latest 8.68 updates are now rolling out across different types of devices. The blur background effect is included in the changes that the platform will make. Skype 8.68 is also expected to bring fixes for previous issues of the app's version on iOS, Android, and desktop.

According to Gadgets 360, Skype's update is also expected to bring custom reaction picker improvements. The Skype team confirmed that Skype 8.68 is also rolling out on Windows, Linux, and iPad. The release notes confirm that the video platform's upcoming blur effect will only arrive two years after its first rollout to desktop users received it in February 2019.

On the other hand, iOS users received this feature last July 2020. This shows that Android users seem to be the unlucky ones since they were the last to have it.

What you need to access Skype's new blur effect

If you want to access Skype's new feature on Android, you need to make sure that your device is already running Android 6.0 and above. Since the new feature is called the blur effect, this simply explains that the new capability will allow users to blur their backgrounds.

This will be extremely useful if you don't have a proper place to conduct a meeting or to join an online class. If you don't want them to see the embarrassing background behind you during a meeting, all you need to do is to activate the blur effect.

On the other hand, Skype for iPhone and iPad users will also have some major improvements, including the Share extension with support for dark themes and overall performance enhancements in the latest version 8.68.

Activating Skype's blur effect

The Next Web reported that accessing the blur feature of Skype is a piece of cake. All you need to do is follow these exact steps;

• Start a video chat with any of your contacts.Click on the gear icon at the top right of your call screen to open the Audio & Video Settings menu.In the menu that pops up, click on the 'Blur my background' toggle to turn the feature on.Close the menu to return to your call with a blurred background.

Alternative methods to access Skype's blur effect;

• While on a call, hover your cursor over the video camera button at the bottom of your screen, and click the 'Blur my background' toggle to activate the feature.
• While on a call, right-click your camera feed at the top right corner of your screen, and click the 'Blur my background' option in the pop-up menu.

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Written by: Giuliano de Leon.