Skype users should upgrade from Skype 7 Classic to 8 . in November
Microsoft will make a switch from Skype 7 Classic to Skype 8 mandatory from November for people who still want to use the VoIP client. The new date comes after a delay after users complained they didn’t want to switch.
Microsoft will make the switch mandatory for desktop users from November 1, and for mobile users from November 15. After that, support for Skype 7 will end. The update will be distributed in waves and by the end of October everyone still using Skype 7 will receive an email to switch.
Actually, Microsoft was supposed to end support on September 1, but after criticism from users, the company decided to postpone it to a later date. Many users of Skype 7 Classic indicated that the new version lacks functionality. To address that criticism, Microsoft has now compiled a list of features for Skype 8 that it is working on and that are yet to come.
| Working on these now | These are next | |
| Fundamentals | Performance improvements Keyboard shortcut guide Show Skype version on sign-in screen |
Even more performance improvements Resizable left pane on desktop Swipe actions on mobile |
| Calling | Setting for a secondary ringing device Advanced webcam settings Separate Skype volume control on Mac Setting for incoming call notifications when in Do Not Disturb mode |
Indicator for who’s talking in large calls Easier switch between cameras Select which app or window to share when screen sharing |
| Messaging | Find within current conversation Setting to change font size on desktop Share a Skype contact Global conversation search shows more than 20 results Customize “Enter” or “Return” to send message or add a line Save-as for audio files like mp3 Hide conversations in chat list Setting to disable link previews |
Find in current conversation shows more than 30 results SMS connect |
| Contacts/people | Setting for allowing Skype to Skype calls only from contacts Improved availability status Add phone number as a contact Global people search shows more than 20 results |
Add phone number to an existing contact More control over availability status Setting for allowing calls to your Skype Number only from contacts Address book sync on Mac |
| Store app for Windows 10 PC | Improve copy-paste to dialpad App icon in system tray |
Split view |