Microsoft has announced that their social messaging apps, Skype and Skype Qik are receiving updates bringing enhancements, additional features, as well as stability and background improvements.
There’s different features for each app, so let’s take a look.
Skype
Microsoft have announced on their blog that Skype users will see a new bubble style chat layout, similar to Skype apps on desktop and iPhone. There has also been support added for emoji within chats allowing users to choose more than just the standard small Skype Emjoi. There is also a new feature that displays a large animated version of emoticon, if the emoticon’s the only thing you send in a message.
Additional feature include:
- Catching up on an active conversation is now easier; chat will no longer auto-scroll to the latest as new messages come in.
- Now you can change and view avatars for all of your group chats; just use the “Participants” option in a group chat to get started.
- After signing out, you will now need to re-enter user name and password to sign in again. This will make it easier on those of you who use multiple accounts.
There is also support for speech to text when connected to an Android Auto experience.
Skype Qik
The update for Skype Qik brings the app to version 1.5 with 8 new effects users can choose from when recording their video’s, making them a little more fun and playful. Users can also switch from one effect to another while you’re recording enabling multiple effects in one video message.
The new effects include:
- mirror;
- x-ray;
- Minecraft (a staff favorite that makes you look 8-bit);
- hearts;
- snow
The updates for both apps are rolling out now to users, however if your impatient or yet to see the update hit your device, you can download the apps from the links below.
