Video calls between Microsoft Skype and Lync are now possible

Microsoft announced plans last year to let enterprise-focused Lync and consumer product Skype interoperate. Now, they have rolled out video integration between the two services. In short, you can now call Lync contacts while on Skype and vice versa. Video calls, however, only work with an updated Lync 2013 client  on Android, iOS, or Windows and Skype for Windows desktop. Skype is still working to bring the functionality to iOS, Android, and other platforms. The video support uses “high quality, scalable video using the industry standard H.264 SVC codec” and calls make use of SILK audio codec. There are plans to develop interoperability further as Microsoft plans to rebrand Lync as “Skype for Business” in the coming year.  

Source: TechCrunch

Microsoft Skype adds picture-in-picture for Android smartphones

It took a year but Microsoft finally brings picture-in-picture capability to Android smartphones. It was previously available on Android tablets but now the smaller-screened Androids can make use of this functionality as well. This means you can continue your Skype conversation while you use other apps.

This new update also intends to improve load times for opening messages and notifications; support formatted texts such as bold, italics, and strikethrough; include native Hindi language support; and fix the photo sharing bug between iOS and other Skype clients.

Source: Phandroid | Via: Ubergizmo | Download: Google Play Store (Free)

Microsoft opens sign-ups for real-time translation preview of Skype

There will come a time when you will be able to video chat with someone speaking a different language as you and have Skype instantly translate your conversation. For that to happen, Microsoft has opened sign-ups for the early preview of the technology. Skype Translator was introduced early this year and now it seems Microsoft is ready to test it out.

It only supports a limited number of languages at the moment but the on-boarding process includes a questionnaire to ask people what other languages they’d like to have translated. The preview is only available to Windows 8.1 computers and tablets and there are a limited number of slots available. If you want to get first dibs, you can sign up here.

Source: GeekWire

Skype improves app for the iPhone

Microsoft's Skype has released a new version of its app for the iPhone to introduce some user suggestions into the system. One is the ability to save photos from chats to the iPhone's Camera Roll. Another is to delete a sent photo from a chat by just pressing an image for an extended period of time. You can also now see avatars for people and groups as well as a new user interface when doing searches. Microsoft improved the chat load time as well to make the transition from seeing the notification to opening the app as speedy as possible.

Source: AppleInsider | Download: Apple iTunes App Store (Free)