Microsoft on Monday announced a new version of its Skype messaging app, along with a warning that previous versions of the software will be disabled after Sept. 1.
"As we roll out improvements, there comes a time when we must shut down older services and application versions," wrote the Skype Team in an online post. "This is done to ensure that all customers have the best possible Skype experience, and that there are no quality or reliability issues resulting from old technology and new technology interoperating."
Among the new features in Skype 8.0 is support for HD video and screen-sharing calls. Conference calls in High quality for up to 24 people can be staged in 1080p video from any device running Skype.
The Skype 8.0 will be available for Apple's iPad, Microsoft also announced.
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Easier Sharing
At 1080p, Skype will have an advantage over Apple FaceTime, Google Duo and Google Hangouts, and Facebook Messenger, which max out at 720p, noted Adam Preset, research director for digital workplace at Gartner.
It's easier to grab someone's attention in a multi-person Skype conversation through the use of @mentions. After you type the @ symbol and the name of the person you want to virtually tap on the shoulder, a notification will be sent to them.
Microsoft has added a Chat media gallery to Skype, making it easier to find photos and links included in Chats.
Sharing photos, videos and files in Skype is easier. Files as large as 300 MB can be shared just by dragging them into a conversation window.
Encrypted Conversations
More new features include read receipts and private conversations.
With read receipts, you can tell at a glance who has read your messages. When a message is read, an avatar appears below it in Chat. The feature can be very useful in group chats for making sure everyone is up to speed in the conversation.
Private conversations is a way to encrypt calls, text messages and files, using the Signal protocol. Messages and notifications about those conversations are hidden in the chat list to keep their information private.
Profile invites and group links also have been added to Skype.
Profile invites simplify starting conversations with people who aren't on Skype by sending your profile to them with a screen tap.
Group links speeds up the process of creating a group on Skype. Simply create the group and tap the Invite More People option to send a link to people you want to join it. Anyone receiving the link can become a member with a click.
Earn cool cash at home by advertising on your social media platform.
Built-In Call Recording
Another new addition to Skype will be cheered by many of its users: call recording.
As soon as someone starts to record a call, everyone is immediately notified, so there are no surprises. Everything from the call is recorded, including video and screen shares, and everything is managed from the could.
Pervasive App
One of the advantages Skype has over its competitors is its pervasiveness. Users can run Skype on iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, Fire OS, and via nearly any Web browser.
Skype is also plugged into Office 365, the most popular productivity suite.
Although Skype is offered by a major vendor -- Microsoft -- it doesn't seem to have the ecosystem attachment that its competitors have, which may hurt its ability to attract new users.
Targeting Younger Users
When Skype was introduced in 2003, it broke significant ground in terms of capabilities and features, recalled Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT.
The software has had performance problems, too.
Moreover, the "classic" version of Skype, which Microsoft will stop supporting on Sept. 1, obviously was designed for desktops, making it seriously dated for use on phones and tablets.
The redesigned interface, most of the new features and its marketing material all seemed aimed at a crowd that's younger than the diehard Skype user. Attempting that type of shift can be treacherous waters for Microsoft.
Tags: Tech, Social Media, Skype, Microsoft, TechNewsWorld
Follow us on twitter @koksnationn
"As we roll out improvements, there comes a time when we must shut down older services and application versions," wrote the Skype Team in an online post. "This is done to ensure that all customers have the best possible Skype experience, and that there are no quality or reliability issues resulting from old technology and new technology interoperating."
The Skype 8.0 will be available for Apple's iPad, Microsoft also announced.
FEATURES
Easier Sharing
At 1080p, Skype will have an advantage over Apple FaceTime, Google Duo and Google Hangouts, and Facebook Messenger, which max out at 720p, noted Adam Preset, research director for digital workplace at Gartner.
It's easier to grab someone's attention in a multi-person Skype conversation through the use of @mentions. After you type the @ symbol and the name of the person you want to virtually tap on the shoulder, a notification will be sent to them.
Microsoft has added a Chat media gallery to Skype, making it easier to find photos and links included in Chats.
Sharing photos, videos and files in Skype is easier. Files as large as 300 MB can be shared just by dragging them into a conversation window.
Encrypted Conversations
More new features include read receipts and private conversations.
With read receipts, you can tell at a glance who has read your messages. When a message is read, an avatar appears below it in Chat. The feature can be very useful in group chats for making sure everyone is up to speed in the conversation.
Private conversations is a way to encrypt calls, text messages and files, using the Signal protocol. Messages and notifications about those conversations are hidden in the chat list to keep their information private.
Profile invites and group links also have been added to Skype.
Profile invites simplify starting conversations with people who aren't on Skype by sending your profile to them with a screen tap.
Group links speeds up the process of creating a group on Skype. Simply create the group and tap the Invite More People option to send a link to people you want to join it. Anyone receiving the link can become a member with a click.
Earn cool cash at home by advertising on your social media platform.
Built-In Call Recording
Another new addition to Skype will be cheered by many of its users: call recording.
As soon as someone starts to record a call, everyone is immediately notified, so there are no surprises. Everything from the call is recorded, including video and screen shares, and everything is managed from the could.
Pervasive App
One of the advantages Skype has over its competitors is its pervasiveness. Users can run Skype on iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, Fire OS, and via nearly any Web browser.
Skype is also plugged into Office 365, the most popular productivity suite.
Although Skype is offered by a major vendor -- Microsoft -- it doesn't seem to have the ecosystem attachment that its competitors have, which may hurt its ability to attract new users.
Targeting Younger Users
When Skype was introduced in 2003, it broke significant ground in terms of capabilities and features, recalled Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT.
The software has had performance problems, too.
Moreover, the "classic" version of Skype, which Microsoft will stop supporting on Sept. 1, obviously was designed for desktops, making it seriously dated for use on phones and tablets.
The redesigned interface, most of the new features and its marketing material all seemed aimed at a crowd that's younger than the diehard Skype user. Attempting that type of shift can be treacherous waters for Microsoft.
Tags: Tech, Social Media, Skype, Microsoft, TechNewsWorld
Follow us on twitter @koksnationn
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