Microsoft to roll out Skype to Android low-end devices in the next few days.

Microsoft announced today that they will be rolling out a version of Skype for devices running on Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich to 5.1 Lollipop. According to the latest statistics, Android 4.0.3 still has 0.5% market share, while KitKat and Lollipop have 12.8 and 5.7 respectively. With this update, Microsoft is targeting approximately 22% of the Android market.

The update is not available just yet but will start rolling out in the next few days.  It is, however, available to those who choose to join the Skype Insiders Program.

Microsoft said in a blog post that this optimized version of Skype "is lighter on both disk and memory consumption, allowing for greater speed and better audio and video quality on lower-end Android devices, as well as increased performance in challenging network conditions."

Source: Microsoft

Google Store: Skype Lite

Skype lets users take snapshots during calls and 'view photos together'.

Skype for Android has been updated with two new features today. I'm not sure what to think about them, but one thing is sure, they're no motivation to make Skype my main messaging and video calls app again. If you're a heavy Skype user, you might find them useful.

Skype will now let users take snapshots instantly during video calls and share them with the person they're chatting with. Microsoft says this feature "instantly capture the best moments from any call and share them...". To do that, simply tap the new camera button at the bottom left corner. The photo will then appear in the chat and can be saved to the local device. Just keep an eye and your thumb ready for that best moment.

The other feature is along the same line in that it lets users "view photos together." during a Skype call. Users can browse their photo gallery and share their favorite photos with friends.

Both new features will work only if all parties upgrade to the latest version of Skype. The latter can be downloaded in the Play Store.

Skype for Android gets improved audio control.

Since the complete redesign of Skype last year, Microsoft has been gradually adding back missing features. I'm sure Skype users will remember when a simple feature like chat presence was missing. Thankfully, Microsoft has been listening to users' feedback and working on improving Skype.

Today Microsoft has published another update in the Play store that improves Skype's audio control.

Here's what's new:

- Improved audio control - easily switch between your earpiece, speaker, wired or Bluetooth device during a call.

Get the update in Google Play Store.

Google Contacts brings faster bulk merging of duplicate contacts.

Today Google has updated its Contacts app for Android. Yes, Google has a contact management app of its own which has been downloaded over 10 million times in the store. That’s not a lot for a Google app and the reason for this is simple. Contact is not built into Android and must be downloaded in the store. Most Android users do not do this because their phone manufacturers already provide their own apps as default that connects to users’ Google account on Google servers. I like Google Contacts over Samsung’s on my S7 Edge. While Samsung went to great length to make its app simple, I still prefer Google’s version.

In today’s update, users will be able to initiate Google Duo video calls directly from Contacts. With this integration, no need to go looking for Duo on one of your screens or through the app list to make a video call. The change log specifically says “setup and make Google Duo video calls directly from Contacts.” I cannot go deeper into this because nobody I know uses Duo.

This update also brings “faster bulk merging of duplicate contacts.” And for Japanese users, this update will “automatically fill in the phonetic name (furigana) for kanji characters.”

If you want to take advantage of the features in this update, head in Google Play Store to download.

Switch between light and dark theme in Skype for Android.

I hope you made peace with the new skype. The new Snapchat-inspired design of Skype has provoked a kind-of over-reaction from users. At least, this is what I think because I like it for the simple reason that I grew tired of the Skype design of old. Sure Microsoft made mistakes, but well, at least they are listening. Take the new ‘activity indicators’ for example. Microsoft omitted this feature in the new release. Now, with this update, users will be able to see who’s currently active in chat list again. And there’s more.

When Microsoft redesigned Skype, it was all white. Not a wise choice knowing that a totally white screen puts pressure on the battery and on the eyes. So Microsoft added new themes where users will be able to switch between light and dark theme. This feature is available in the settings. To get to it, tap your profile picture, then the settings icon at the top right of the screen. Scroll down to theme and tap the Light or Dark buttons according to the preference. I always switch to a dark theme in apps when I can and Skype is no exception. I’m not sure that saves battery, but it does make it easy on my eyes. In case you’re wondering, I have no problems with my eyes. 

So, make sure you download Skype on your Android device via the Google Play Store to take advantage of these new features. I nearly forgot, Skype will also let you reorder your chats by recent, unread or active.

Skype brings floating window to Android phones.

Skype has finally brought the floating window feature to its app for Android. Users of Skype for PCs and Macs will know what I'm talking about. It is this very useful feature where you can minimize Skype on your desktop and continue doing something else while still having the person you are talking to in a small window floating over that Word document you were working on before the call.

In the description on Google Play, Skype calls this feature "picture in picture view". As can be seen in the screenshot below, the floating window is quite small. I tested it on a Motorola G. Similar to a desktop or tablet, you can move the window out of the way, around your screen. Just make you touch and drag. Applying too much pressure will result in Skype coming back into focus and maximizing.

Besides the floating, the update also includes some performance improvement like it now loads chats faster from the notification center. See the full change log below:

• Chats load faster, especially when opened from a notification.
• Picture in picture view lets you keep a video call going - for phones now too!
• Receive photos from Skype for iPhone and other new clients.
• Supports formatted text: bold, italic, strikethrough.
• Native support for Hindi -SAH!

Source: Google Play

 

Fring brings group video calling to Android.

Fring, a Skype competitor, has updated its app to include group video calls. It is now possible to add up to 4 persons to a live voice or video call provided you have a good 3G, 4G or WiFi connection. Fring is completely free and is available on two platforms: Android and iPhone.

Check out the video to see Fring in action:



Download here.