Microsoft Completely Revamps Skype with new UI, Snapchat-like Stories, More

BY Chethan Rao

Published 2 Jun 2017

Skype Update iOS

Microsoft today announced a big overhaul for Skype which brings a bunch of key changes to the fore. In addition to offering a new user interface, the update also introduces Chatbots and “Highlights”.

The Highlights feature allows users to add images/videos with emoji, text and more to their story similar to Snapchat Stories and Instagram Story. Unlike Snapchat, however, Highlights on Skype will stay for a week rather than just a day. Naturally, you can also send these photos and videos to individuals or groups on Skype before posting it on Highlights. Further, only your Skype contacts will be able to see the Highlights, which is a nifty privacy feature.

Speaking more about the UI changes, you can now set the colors of your choice for the home screen background. Skype is basically giving users control over the way their app looks. Launching the app will take you directly to the Chats window, with Highlights sitting towards the left of the screen. There’s a Capture window on the right, allowing you to post images and videos to your Highlights.

Skype has made some small but notable changes to video calls as well. Thanks to this update, customers will be able to send emoji, messages, stickers, as well as photos during video calls, adding a bit more spice and fun to your conversations. These add-ons will appear directly on top of your video call screen and not in the chat window.

Users can now react to chats and Highlights with a collection of emoji or reactions, much like you would on Facebook. This saves the trouble of typing a message when a simple reaction would suffice. As for the Chatbots, Microsoft is finally bringing Cortana to Skype, giving users suggestions for handy responses. Users will also find Gfycat, Giphy, MSN Weather, Bing, Polls, Expedia, Stubhub, BigOven, YouTube, and Upworthy within Skype now.

The update is live right away for Android users, while iOS users will have to wait for about a month to get the update. Windows and Mac users will apparently get the update over the coming months.

[Via Skype Blog]