Skype updates desktop and mobile apps for Windows 10 beta testers

Those beta testing Windows 10 via the Windows Insider Program get a special treat from Skype. The messaging service introduces an update for its desktop and mobile apps through the latest version of the Skype Preview App. The update brings with it the ability to call mobile and landline numbers from your computer, leave and receive voicemail, and put calls on hold. Skype bots are also being introduced in this latest version. This will let you chat with automated conversation partners from developers that partnered with Microsoft.

The Skype Preview App also introduces the ability to make group video calls with up to 25 people, a feature that was reportedly most requested by mobile Skype users. There is no word yet when this update will make its way to all Windows 10 users. We’re just hoping it’s sooner rather than later.

Source: PCWorld

Web-based Skype calling now available on Microsoft Edge browser

Users of the Microsoft Edge browser on Windows 10 can now use a wev-based version of Skype calling. Starting today, you can preview the Skype free voice, video and group video calling in the browser.

“We want to make it easy for anyone to connect on Skype,” The Skype team writes in a new post to the Garage & Updates blog. “We know people don’t want to worry about what device the person they want to speak to has close by – they just want Skype to work.”

Starting today, you can use Microsoft Edge to visit Skype for Web,Outlook.com, Office Online and OneDrive and engage in Skype free voice, video and group video calls without first installing a plug-in/extension.

“Skype calls on the web are hassle free,” Microsoft explains, “for the hundreds of millions of you that use Outlook.com every day, to those that visit Skype.com wanting to make a call or anyone preparing a presentation on PowerPoint online; plugin free calling enables quick-fire chat and collaboration, making it easier to get things done together, with anyone, anywhere. No matter where you are, Skype calling on the web is now just a tap away, right there, ready to go.”

For users of Chrome and Firefox, you will still need a plug-in to perform some Skype calls from the browser.

Source: Thurrot.com

Skype to bring free group video calling to mobile devices

Microsoft is celebrating the 10^th anniversary of Skype by bringing group video calling for free to different mobile operating systems. Users on iOS, Android, and Windows 10 Mobile will all get to make free group calls soon. But those who want early dibs can get preview access from this link. There you’ll need to enter your country, email address, Skype username, and device type. Microsoft promises setup for preview participants will be done within a matter of days.

Source: Microsoft | Via: Apple Insider

Skype for Business comes to Android

Business users on Android now have access to Skype’s enterprise capabilities. Skype for Business on Android now has a new dashboard to better locate things like the contact search bar, recent chats, and upcoming meetings. The app is now up on Play Store and it replaces Lync 2013 as an automatic update.

Some of the new features include “modern authentication” system based on access tokens and options for admins to set multi-factor authentication for others. Contact management is said to be better with this app. You have a Global Address List where you can search a phone number, name, or email address and search within a specific group. You can easily join created meetings too with “Quick Join” option.

Source: Office Blog | Via: Slash Gear