Microsoft is serious about messaging, and this is evident in the new version of Skype it has rolled out to Android and iOS devices.
Version 6.0 of Skype shows a major interface revamp for both the Android and iOS versions. Naturally, the Skype app for Android features a new design inspired by Google's Material Design aesthetic, showing off a floating action bar from which users can start a chat, audio call or video call or send a video message.
Skype for iOS also gets a physical makeover too. The navigation buttons have been moved to the bottom of the screen, where users can view their recent conversations, contacts and app settings. At the top of the screen are two buttons, the first one is for viewing contacts and the other is for launching the dialer.
Microsoft has also added a quick swipe gesture for iOS, which users can use to start conversations or make or end calls, as well as several features that were previously available only to Android users. These include the ability to share things such as photos, links, emoticons and users' location while on a voice or video call.
The iPad also gets some special treatment. Its larger screen real estate allows for some extra features, aside from those that are already available for the iPhone. Microsoft says iPad users can now make group chats and group calls using their tablets. Emoticons for the iPad are larger as well, and users get to see previews of web links sent to them.
"We've redesigned Skype to be much more natural and intuitive, and have added a bunch of new capabilities to make it even more delightful to use," says Skype.
Aside from the UI improvements, Skype also gets a boost in search and messaging to help users find contacts and messages faster. For iOS users, they can switch to their recent tabs to find contacts, messages and groups. Skype is also making it easier to see which messages have been read and which ones remain unread.
The updated Skype apps are rolling out to the Google Play Store and Apple App Store for the iPhone and iPad versions on Thursday, Sept.3. As for the new Skype app for Windows 10 Mobile, Microsoft says it is still "working hard" to bring Windows Phone users "a delightful Skype experience."
