14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has just released Skype 8.68, and this time the software giant has focused on improvements for both desktop and mobile users.
Many people are still wondering why Skype is still around given how much effort Microsoft puts into Microsoft Teams, but on the other hand, the company has already said on several occasions that this service is here to stay no matter what.
And what’s more, some Skype capabilities have recently been bundled with Windows 10 at OS level, as the Meet Now feature allows users to start an audio or video call without the need for an account.
What’s new in Skype 8.68
The new version of Skype comes with an updated custom reaction picker, with Microsoft now displaying more reactions on the same screen.
There are also plenty of bug fixes and stability improvements on both the desktop and mobile, but the bigger change is the addition of background blur support for video calls you make on Android. In other words, if you use Skype to make video calls from your Android device, the app now allows you to configure the background blue, so nobody would see what’s behind you.
“The latest Skype version 8.68 is out. There are cool new features in this release like Background Blur on Android devices. You asked, we delivered! The new features are rolling out gradually over the next couple of days so if you don’t see them right away, just check again soon!” Microsoft explains.
In addition, Skype 8.68 also comes with several fixes, including for virtual cameras on macOS and the missing sound in voice messages that some users have been struggling with lately. Microsoft says it has also improved the performance of the emoji picker in Skype, so overall, the experience with the app should now be a lot smoother after installing this version.