Skype for iOS is now a completely new beast after the company gave the app a Windows Phone style makeover. Not only does it look better than before, but according to the developers, there's also some well needed performance boost. Is this a late move by Skype? Can this update place the once popular chat app back in the spotlight?
Back in the day, Skype was one of the most popular apps for instant messaging over the Internet, but now the service is only known for making video calls as the company had failed to give users an updated chat experience. This has caused the likes of WhatsApp and others to take control of the instant messaging market, leaving Skype fighting to hold on to what is left of its presence in the video messaging segment.
In 2010, Skype launched on the iOS. However, for some reason the developer failed to realize that a change in design is needed, and Skype lagged on iOS with an outdated UI for 4 years. Shocking, it's true, but it appears lessons have been learned since Skype on iOS makeover is finally here.
The design is similar to that of the version on Windows Phone 8, which means, users will be swiping to the side quite often. We also understand the app has been fully rebuilt from the ground up, which could be the reason for the increase in performance.
Here are what iOS users should expect from Skype 5.0:
- Faster: You'll notice the effort we've put into this overhaul as soon as you launch Skype 5.0 for iPhone. The new version is over 5 times faster than the old version.
- Smoother: As you swipe from conversations through to your favorites and then back to your contacts lists, you'll notice how smooth scrolling and transitioning from screen to screen is - with delightful little pops and animations punctuating them. All without degrading the performance and battery improvements we worked so hard to achieve.
- More Integrated: Now, iPhone users can start group chats from the hub. And when you send messages or photos, it doesn't matter if the recipient is offline. Everyone will see your message as soon as they are available again.
- Smarter: We know our users are using Skype on multiple devices, and we want to make sure your Skype notifications keep pace with your conversations, no matter where they happen. Now, as you read your messages on your PC, tablet, Xbox and so on, those conversations will be marked as read (or unread if new messages come in) on your iPhone too.
No doubt this is a great and most meaningful update, but it is just too late. It is possible Skype will be able to keep making a name for itself where video calling is concerned, but making a move back in the chat space is a long shot and we don't believe there's a winning formula here.
Folks on WhatsApp have no reasons to use Skype chat, which means Microsoft will have to come up with something unique in the next major update.
Interested users can download Skype 5.0 right now from Apple iTunes for iOS.
