Microsoft redesigns Skype for iPhone and Mac, adds new features

Microsoft has announced major updates coming to the Skype app for iPhone and Mac. These changes include an app redesign, a performance boost, handy new features that help bring people together, and more. A notable addition is Meet Now, which lets anyone join a Skype call from a browser without needing the app or an account. This feature is similar to Apple’s FaceTime link sharing on iOS 15.

In a blog post, Microsoft details (via 9to5Mac) that the new Call Stage is meant to bring everyone together and leave no one behind. Even audio-only participants will appear on the grid. To get rid of the dull appearance of these participants, Microsoft is adding colored backgrounds to make them as lively as video participants.

The design changes bring new themes, more call layouts — Speaker View, Grid View, Large Gallery, Together Mode, and Content View — in addition to options for hiding audio-only participants and showing yourself on the grid. Skype is also bringing themes to add more color to the app. These themes are similar to those found on Telegram and Facebook Messenger.

Microsoft also states that there are notable performance boosts coming to the app. The browser version of Skype is expected to perform 30% better in key functions. And if you’re on a slow or limited connection, you don’t have to worry anymore. You will be able to turn off the video stream for a smoother experience.

This bundle of upgrades also comes with a live translator, Skype Universal Translator, that works with both landline and video calls for a low cost. This lets you communicate in a foreign language seamlessly without any third-party software hassles.

Do you still depend on Skype for video calling your friends, family, and coworkers? If not, what do you use instead? And will you consider switching back to Skype following the new update? Let us know in the comments section below.

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