Skype adds SMS and contacts suggestions to app

Skype has made a major update to its chat and calling application. It is now possible to receive text messages, but for now this only applies to the United States. In addition, the software makes recommendations for contacts.

It concerns version 8.37.0.98 of the application that was released earlier this week. However, Android Police has received the associated changelog, which makes it clear what the list of changes is. One of the biggest innovations is that it is now possible to receive text messages, although Caller ID must be set for this. Also, when the functionality rolls out in the coming weeks, it’s only available to US users, and it’s not clear when a wider rollout for text messaging will follow.

In addition, the new version of the application makes it easier to find contacts on Skype, with the new people you may know functionality. Furthermore, the new interface should give users better control over the management of their contacts, and phone numbers can be added to existing contacts.

On the mobile version of Skype, users gain more control over their data usage by allowing automatic downloading of photos only when a Wi-Fi connection is available. Specifically for the Android version, a functionality has been built in to start a chat or phone conversation faster: this is now possible with a long press on the Skype application.