14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has released a new preview build of Skype for insiders, and the changelog includes some pretty cool improvements that users are going to love.
First and foremost, after installing this new update, the version of Skype is increased to 8.69, and Microsoft says the most prominent change is the addition of the last message avatar.
In other words, you’ll see the avatar of whoever sent the last icon in a group chat, so it’ll be easier to figure out who said what with just a quick glance. Introducing the last message avatar in a small circle over the group chat icon so you can easily see who wrote the last message. If you would like to turn it on/off, just go to the appearance settings,” Microsoft explains.
Those running Skype on iOS are getting two different improvements, including refinements for iOS 13 notifications (keep in mind that iOS 14 is the latest version of the operating system, but iOS 13 is the one that changed the notification design on iPhone), as well as support for in-client Skype number purchases. However, this feature is currently limited to numbers in the U.S. and the U.K.
Welcome bug fixes too
The Redmond-based software giant explains it has also improved the Skype for Windows startup performance, while also adding Electron 11 improvements for a more polished performance.
“As usually all 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,” the company says.
Some issues have also been fixed. For example, this Skype update resolves the bugs preventing the updating of Skype on macOS Big Sur, while also showing a double badge count in the taskbar icon.
Overall, this is a welcome update, but keep in mind all these improvements are currently available only for insiders, with everyone else to get them at a later time.