Microsoft updated the Skype app for both iOS and Android users today. Both apps have been redesigned to make it easier to start a voice, video or chat conversation. It’s also easier to find recent conversations with an enhanced search function.
The larger changes came to Skype for Android, which was redesigned to fit in with Google’s new material design specifications. That means it will look more in line with other apps on Android phones and make it easier to navigate for people familiar with material design.
A new floating action button sits in the bottom right of the app, making it simpler to start a new conversation. It now takes two taps to start a chat, video call or voice call from just about anywhere in the app.
For iOS users, Microsoft has standardized the Skype experience across the iPad and iPhone apps. iPad users will see a huge improvement in the messaging experience, making it easier to share location, send emoticons and see previews of shared links, just like on iPhones.
The update also adds simple gestures on all iOS devices to make calling or chatting easier. Swipe over a contact and you’re presented with icons to start a voice or video chat.
The Skype update for both mobile operating systems also makes it easier to find conversations with a recents tab to search old conversations, contacts and groups.
Skype has some new competition in the video calling marketplace. The video call pioneer is beta testing video calling within web browsers to compete with Google’s Hangouts, but may face stiffer competition from manufacturers and carriers who want to provide native video calling. Not only does Apple’s FaceTime come bundled with iOS devices, now T-Mobile is bundling a video-calling app with the newest Samsung devices on its network.
