skypelockscreenSkype for iPhone got an update today that allows people to respond to calls and messages they receive through the service just by interacting with push notifications.

Using the support for interactive push notifications in iOS 8, users can now accept or decline calls and type in a response to a message within another app, or on their phone’s lock screen.

It’s good news for people who are heavy users of Microsoft’s calling and messaging service, since the update now makes it easier for them to work with Skype without having to switch between apps. Unfortunately, Skype’s iPad app hasn’t received the same treatment, but it shouldn’t be far behind.

Here’s the full list of interactions from Microsoft:

Audio and Video Calls
From the lock screen and the notification center:
• For incoming voice calls – swipe left on the notification to answer or decline.
• For incoming video calls – swipe left on the notification to answer with voice or video.
• For missed voice and video calls – swipe left on the notification to call back or send a message.

From a banner notification:
• For incoming voice calls – pull down on the notification to answer or decline.
• For incoming video calls – pull down on the notification to answer with voice or video.
• For missed calls – pull down on the notification to call back or send a message.

Messages
• From the lock screen and the notification center:
• For new messages – swipe left on the notification to reply.
• From the lock screen:
• For new messages – pull down on the notification to reply.

See this Skype blog post for more details.

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