Skype plans updates to calling experiences, rolling out over next few weeks

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Published onOctober 25, 2016

published onOctober 25, 2016

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Back in July, Microsoft announced that it was busytransitioning Skype from a peer-to-peer based architecture to a cloud based one, a shift that is expected to improve several aspects of the service including call quality and overall reliability. While this transition means that some legacy Skype apps such as the old Windows Phone 8 app willsoon be deprecated, the ubiquitous messaging app will soon be able to bring new features and improvements to users on currently supported platforms.

Indeed, the Skype team hasannounced todayseveral improvements to the calling experience that will roll out to users in the next few weeks. The first one will allow users who join a group call to continue talking even if the person who initiated it leaves the call. “The call will carry on smoothly no matter who leaves or joins the conversation,” explained the team.

Next, the “Call Phones” tab on iOS and Android devices will soon become the “Calls” tab, bringing a simplified experience to place Skype-to-Skype calls, calls to phone numbers or purchasing Skype Credit. “You’ll benefit from being able to call any group or individual from a single place, with a single tap,” notes the blog post. It’s not clear if these improvements will also come to the Skype UWP app on Windows 10, which currently uses a different UI.

Lastly, a new voicemail experience will allow Skype users to leave a video message or a Skype message to persons or groups they tried to call. Once the feature is rolled out, users will see the following screen when their calls get no answer.

For those of you who still prefer Skype’s traditional voicemail delivery, the service will continue to work though the company will deprecate custom voicemail greetings, email notifications, and SMS transcriptions. Let us know in the comments what do you think of these upcoming improvements to the Skype experience.

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).

For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.

Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.

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Skype plans updates to calling experiences, rolling out over next few weeks