Microsoft retiring Skype 'modern/metro' app

Here's not-so-good news for users of Windows 8 who are just getting used to the Modern or Metro version of Microsoft's Skype video conferencing app: Microsoft's killing it by July.

In a blog post, Microsoft's Aga Guzik said they want to simplify the PC experience "down to one app" that can be controlled by touch or by keyboard-and-mouse.

"Starting on July 7, we’re updating PC users of the Windows modern application to the Windows desktop application, and retiring the modern application," Guzik said.

Guzik noted that with the upcoming Windows 10, it would be better to use the Skype app optimized for mouse and keyboards use, and capable of doing touch "rather than two separate applications performing the same function."

Besides, Guzik said feedback from users indicate the "traditional" Skype desktop app helps users efficiently navigate, with all information in one window "so you don’t have to scroll back and forth."

The traditional app also helps get more done like group video calling, sharing a screen for showing directions or working together on a document - and soon - translation.

After July 7

Guzik said that after July 7, users trying to access the modern app on PCs will be automatically directed to download the desktop app.

"All of your contacts and conversations from last 30 days will be available. If you already have Skype for Windows desktop you don’t need to do anything. Also, if you’re on a Windows RT tablet device, there is no change for you," Guzik added.

Disparities

A report on PC World said many users have complained about differences between the modern and desktop apps.

"While the modern version is somewhat easier to interact with on touchscreens, it’s far too dependent on swiping to see all information. It also doesn’t include some features from the desktop program, such as screen sharing and group video calls," it said.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2934507/skype-kills-its-modern-windows-8-app-in-the-name-of-efficiency.html

It also noted Skype appears heading in a different direction than Microsoft's Office productivity suite, which will soon feature touch-friendly apps.  — Joel Locsin/ELR, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

Skype's picture-in-picture video chat comes to Android phones

 

Users of Skype, Microsoft's videoconferencing software, can now enjoy that picture-in-picture feature on their Android phones.

 

The latest Skype app dated Nov. 25 ports the feature - available earlier on Android tablets - to Android smartphones.

 

"Picture in picture view lets you keep a video call going – for phones now too!" read the description on Google Play.

 

It also allows one to receive photos from Skype for iPhone and other new clients, and supports formatted text.

 

Chats also load faster, especially when opened from a notification.

 

A separate article on PC World said the new app will be appreciated greatly by heavy users.

 

 "It’s nice to see Microsoft finally apply what it’s already done on tablets to its phone version of the app. And with phones getting ever bigger, there’s plenty of opportunity to put this to use," it added.  — Joel Locsin/TJD, GMA News

 

source: gmanetwork.com

Skype launches browser-based app

Soon, people using Microsoft's Skype video conferencing platform need not download software for online chats, with the rollout of Skype for Web.

Currently in beta, the web version of Skype on Skype.com promises to run on modern browsers, Skype's Jonathan Watson said in a blog post.

"It’s perfect if you prefer using the web rather than an app: perhaps you’re sitting at a computer that doesn’t already have Skype downloaded. Or maybe you’re on the go and using an internet café or hotel computer whilst on vacation where you can’t download Skype at all. Using Skype for Web makes it more convenient to get to your conversations," Watson said.

"You can use Skype for Web without having to download an app before you get started, which means anyone new to Skype can get chatting even faster. Simply sign in to Skype for Web on Skype.com and you’ll be able to connect and start instant messaging directly from your browser," he added.

He said Skype for Web may be accessed not just from Microsoft's Internet Explorer, but also from Chrome on Windows, Firefox or Safari.

Those who sign in at Skype.com can access their contacts and latest conversation history from there.

"Once you’ve signed in on Skype.com, you can start instant messaging friends straight away. Making great quality voice or video calls is just as easy; simply press the call button to connect," he said.

For now, he said Skype for Web will be available to a few existing and new users, then roll out worldwide in the coming months.

On the other hand, he said users may need to install a small plugin to start a conversation.

Watson noted Skype has expanded from computers to mobile phones, TVs and even game consoles, and had logged more than two billion daily minutes or over 33 million hours of voice and video calls.

Known issues

The beta has some known issues, including:

- it works on Internet Explorer 10 and above and the latest versions of Chrome and Firefox for Windows. For Mac OS X, it works on Safari 6 and above.
- there is an issue with battery consumption when running Skype for Web on a Mac.
- outgoing Skype calls can take longer than normal to ring.

An article on tech site The Verge said Skype for Web could further expand Skype's reach, with WebRTC allowing devices like Google's Chromebooks to access Skype.  — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

Skype brings voice messaging, profiles to iPhone

Good news for Skype users with iPhones: the Microsoft-owned videoconferencing app has brought back voice messaging support and profiles in its latest update.

In a blog post, Microsoft said Skype 5.2 for iPhone picks up from where version 5.1 left off, adding more features its users need.

These include:

Voice message support: A new voice message will show up in the conversation. To listen, just press play. 

View contact profiles: Tapping on any contact in the people list and selecting profile from the “…” menu, and a contact’s mood message, Skype name, birthday, location and more will be available.

Add participants to existing conversations


However, Skype said the updated app will need iOS 7 or later. — Joel Locsin/TJD, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

Microsoft to retire older Skype versions for desktop

Users of Microsoft's Skype videoconferencing software on desktop or laptop computers may have to upgrade to the new version soonest.

In a blog post, Microsoft said Skype for Windows 6.13 and below and Skype for Mac 6.14 and below will be retired, "over the next few months."

"We‘re excited to be working on great new experiences for Skype, but more on that later! For now, we encourage you to download and update to the latest version today," it said.

To encourage users to upgrade soonest, Microsoft indicated the new version allows:


- Sending and receiving instant messages when contacts are offline
- Viewing consistent chat history across multiple devices
- Syncing read/unread status on all messages across devices

A separate report on The Next Web said it is not clear what "retiring" means, however.

Still, it said it is worth following Microsoft's advice to update soonest.


"While it’s not clear exactly what ‘retiring’ means, in terms of whether it will simply stop working or will just no longer be supported, Microsoft says it’s encouraging 'all users to update to the latest version today to continue using Skype without disruption,'” it said. — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com