Microsoft gives Skype a makeover

Microsoft has given Skype a major update. Microsoft is focusing more on instant messaging like competing apps like Snapchat, including the Highlights feature to create a weekly feed for photos and videos.

Microsoft speaks of ‘the new generation’ of Skype and puts chats more prominently in the foreground. Also central is the Highlights functionality, which is strongly reminiscent of Stories from Snapchat, from which Facebook already drew inspiration for the function of the same name in Facebook Messenger and Instagram.

Highlights allows users to share photos and videos in a weekly feed that friends can follow and comment on. The camera can be called up with a swipe to make photos and videos easier and users can add text and emoji to images.

Changes have also been made for calling: during a conversation, you can drag the view of the conversation person and here too you can respond with emoji. There are also new add-ins and bots and the search function has been expanded.

Microsoft will bring the updated version to Android immediately, followed by the iPhone. Versions for Windows and macOS are coming sometime in the coming months.