14 DAY TRIAL // Since Microsoft purchased Skype, the application received many updates on all platforms. Some introduced major new features, while others only improved on already existent functions and options.
Today, the Redmond-based company is back with yet another update for Skype. This time the update targets Android users, so those who were expecting a cross-platform upgrade will probably have to wait a while longer.
Anyway, the most important change included in the new version of Skype for Android is the ability to keep a video call going using the picture-in-picture view.
This feature was only available for tablets and desktops, but starting with this new iteration of Skype, Android smartphone owners will be able to take advantage of picture-in-picture view as well.
But that is not all, as developers have also confirmed Skype for Android now features native support for Hindi. In addition, the latest version of the application should support formatted text like bold, italic and strikethrough.
Another important improvement included in this update is the possibility to receive photos from Skype for iPhone and other new clients directly on your Android smartphone.
The new version of Skype should now be much faster when opened from notification
Last but not least, Skype’s engineers confirmed that the application should now load chats much faster, especially when opened from a notification.
Speed was a real issue for those using Skype on Android devices, but hopefully, with this update, the application will perform faster than any of the previous versions.
With so many instant messengers available on the market, Skype is likely to have a tough time strengthening its position. Even with Microsoft behind, Skype needs to improve its application in every aspect in order to increase its user pool.
According to Skype, the application has 250 million users on all platforms, which is not a small number, but it’s still lower than that of other instant messaging services like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, for example.
Those users who already have the application installed on their devices should go ahead and download the update, while new users can now download Skype for Android for free via Google Play Store.
The application should be fully compatible with all devices powered by Android 4.0 and up. Keep in mind that operator charges may apply, so it’s recommended to use an unlimited data plan or Wi-Fi connection to avoid them.
It’s also worth mentioning that for some features to work you will need to buy Skype credits with real money.
