Following the launch of the Skype for Business app for Windows Phone in July, Microsoft has announced that it is launching its preview version this time for iOS and Android devices.
According to Microsoft, users who already have the Lync 2013 apps installed on their iOS and Android devices are getting the new Skype for Business app automatically in the form of an update before the year ends. The app is said to work for those companies that use Lync Server 2013, Skype for Business Online and Skype for Business Server 2015.
"We've seen great momentum in the first few months since the arrival of Skype for Business, and today, I'm excited to announce the preview of the new Skype for Business apps for iOS and Android," says Jared Goralnick, principal group program manager for the Skype for Business team, in a blog post.
In line with the launch, Microsoft is inviting iOS and Android users to participate in the preview program for the Skype for Business apps. Interested participants will have to apply by Aug. 14 in order to be considered. The first batch of participants will be hearing from the company beginning next week.
"IT administrators can visit www.skypepreview.com to nominate up to four end users for iOS and four for Android to participate in the preview," Microsoft says.
The upcoming iOS and Android apps promise to bring a redesigned in-call experience where users can take advantage of the larger buttons on the new call screen for easier call management. There is a new dashboard that is designed to revolutionize the way users communicate by allowing them to easily pull their most recent conversations, future meetings, and contacts, which they can search in just a single place.
"We rebuilt the In-Call and In-Meeting experience with new features that make it easier to navigate calls and meetings on your mobile phone or tablet," says the company.
Other notable features include more simplified IM, video and content panes for easier navigation between video and content; larger buttons for easier call management; larger video, which occupies the screen; and a way to view content in full screen while also being able to see the speaker's video simultaneously.
The final versions of the upcoming iOS and Android apps for Skype for Business will become available before the year ends.
