Microsoft has rolled out a major update for Skype users on Mac and Windows that brings a slew of improvements ranging from better chat experience to free group video calls.
Microsoft, the world's largest software developing company, rolled out a new update on Skype for Mac and a preview build For Windows. Skype version 7.0 brings a unified experience across all platforms including mobile and desktop. The latest update brings improvements to chats, group video calls and adds multi-tasking feature.
Skype on desktop brings a major overhaul to the UI with round avatars to show friends and easy sharing of photos and documents in the chat sessions. The multi-tasking features can also be availed while on a voice or video call on Mac and Windows without disconnecting the call. The side-by-side windows for text and video chat makes file sharing easier than ever.
"If you're already using Skype on mobile, you'll recognize some of these changes," Tom Huang, a Skype exec, wrote in a company's blog post, Friday. "We've made the Skype experience consistent whether you are using your mobile device or your desktop PC. Now, you'll see thumbnail pictures of your contacts, a new bubble-style chat design, and consistent icons for chat, video calls and audio calls."
Microsoft also tweaked the free group video calls to make the experience better than before. But the updates do not stop here, as the software team will continuously work on improving the overall experience of the service.
Microsoft has made revolutionary changes in its video chatting application due to increasing competition from rivals. The company recently ended Skype support for Windows Phone 7 users but added various features to other platforms. In July, the company added contact syncing in Android, making it easier for users to know who is on Skype. In June, the iOS version of Skype got a major makeover, complete with faster speed, better navigation, instant notification syncing and more.
Skype for Mac 7.0 is available for download here and the new preview build of the Windows desktop can be found here.
