14 DAY TRIAL // The Metro version of Skype received another update today ; but while the application has already been updated by quite a lot of Windows 8.1 and RT 8.1 adopters out there, the company has only now provided more information on what has been changed in this build.
According to details that have been published on the official Skype blog, the new client aimed at the Modern UI of Windows 8.1 comes with fixes for a bug that was making the app continue ringing on synced devices even if you had already answered a call.
“When you pick up a call on any device and your modern Skype is on, the incoming ring will stop much faster. Whether you have Skype on a mobile, in your Outlook.com inbox, desktop, tablet or 2-in-1, Skype calls will sync up wherever you choose to take the call from,” Microsoft said.
At the same time, the new Skype 2.6 for modern Windows comes with synced chats, which means users who are running the application on multiple Windows 8.1 devices, such mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and PCs are now getting their conversations synchronized on any of them.
“This way, wherever you are, you can continue the conversation you started. You can also send an IM while someone is offline and they will receive it the next time they sign in,” the company says.
Of course, this update is part of a broader plan of making Skype a much more popular solution among adopters of Microsoft’s modern operating system, so bringing more features in the Metro client, including those who have already been part of the desktop client, is quite essential for the overall success of the app.
Back in October 2013, the Metro port of Skype officially became the default Windows 8.1 instant messaging tool, replacing the default Messaging app that was available on the modern OS since the debut of Windows 8.
Microsoft says that Skype for Modern Windows should provide an experience that’s similar to the one on the desktop, so you get advanced features that include video message and file sharing support, but also some Windows 8 exclusive features such as snap view support, live tiles, integrated share charm compatibility and other options.
Of course, the application is offered to all users completely free of charge, so you can always download Skype for Windows 8.1 manually if you’d like to try out the new build right now and not wait until the update shows up in the store.