14 DAY TRIAL // As we've reported to you yesterday, Microsoft rolled out a new version of Skype for modern Windows, bringing a few improvements that are supposed to boost the experience with the VoIP client without leaving the Metro interface.
In a blog post published today, the Skype team explains that the Skype for modern Windows 2.8 is mostly supposed to make the application easier to use with a mouse and keyboard, thus reiterating the company's focus on the way Metro apps are running on desktop computers.
“We’ve been focused on making the application easier to use,” the Skype team said in a post on the official blog.
“There’s a tighter feel to the hub – the modern Skype is designed for touch but we know a lot of our users have mouse and keyboard devices. As a result we are tightening the space between your latest recent conversations, which brings forward the contacts list and makes navigation easier.”
At the same time, the Skype client designed for Windows 8.1 Metro has received a number of tweaks that help the application load faster on the PC. This was possible thanks to a number of changes in the background, Microsoft said, so you might not notice anything new in the user interface as far as performance is concerned.
Last but not least, the application also packs new synchronization options, as Skype is already available across multiple devices, including PCs, tablets, and smartphones. The Metro port can be installed on both Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1, so tablets such as Microsoft's very own Surface RT can run it as well.
“We also made favorites syncing more reliable across devices. Now as you move from one device to another, your favorites list follows you,” Microsoft explains.
Keep in mind that the Metro version of Skype only works on Windows 8.1, so in case you're running Windows 8, you'll have to update before finding the app in the store.
The feature lineup includes the essential options to talk to your friends, including tools to chat, share files and photos, make voice and video calls, send video messages, and run the application in snap view along other programs installed on your Windows 8.1 device. At the same time, messages are delivered basically wherever your are working on your device, so you can still see them on the lock screen or on the Start screen thanks to toast notifications and live tiles.