I honestly ca n’t think back the last time I used Skype on my iPhone . It ’s one of those apps I installed a few long time back and rarely end up using , but I keep it installed because of the frequency that I expend its desktop app on my Mac . There was nothing wrong with Skype for iOS before , it ’s just that there were other more mobile - friendly messaging apps that I preferred .
Apparently , I was not alone here , and the Skype team knew that . On Monday , Microsoft announced that they would be launching aremastered interlingual rendition of Skypefor the iPhone that address proceeds found in premature versions .
“ The pace of change in Mobile River is crazy , ” said Eric Lin , a product selling manager for Skype , in an interview with TechHive . He added that the premature edition of Skype was built in 2010 , so in fiat to create an app that keep up with other message powerhouses , the team scrap the old app and redesign it from the ground up .
We wrote about what boast it would include — the power to deal offline photos , in effect twist - to - twist syncing , and several app - extensive performance improvements — and now I ’ve had metre to test out these unexampled feature film firsthand .
A defining look and feel
Skype is a messaging platform , after all , so even if you ’re new to Skype it will experience visceral to use . When set in motion the app , you ’re prompted to sign in ( or make a new account ) , and then you ’re shown a ready to hand video on how to get started . If you have an existing Skype write up , all of your contacts and save conversations will be there when you enter .
Swipe through the navigation bar at the top to get at your contacts , chats , and favorite . observe the clouds roll with you .
My first reaction to the app was : “ Welp , this definitely looks like a Microsoft product . ” I use Outlook for my work electronic mail , and Skype 5.0 has a similar feel to Outlook ’s web app , or its standaloneOWA app for iOS . It utilize the same baptistery , has standardised pilotage , and of course similarly matchesSkype ’s app for the Mac . The design aesthetic place it securely in Microsoft ’s ecosystem , which might vocalise a little bizarre for an iOS app , but the overall affect is one of continuity from platform to political program . Everything syncs swimmingly across gadget .
The master Thomas Nelson Page houses three chief tabs in an easy scrollable navigation bar along the top ; surf between people ( your contacts ) , recent ( your recent conversation ) , and deary ( contacts and convos that you ’ve tick as such ) . Above the tabloid sits your profile flick ; beg on it to refresh your profile preferences and status . As you swipe between tabs , you ’ll discover a elusive vitality as the app ’s desktop design — downy blanched cloud — move along with you . If you scroll down , the top header shrinks , showing more information on screen . Tap on any impinging or convo to chew the fat .
At the bottom , you ’ll see two image : a identification number pad for make calls , and a chat button to initiate a new schmooze . Tapping the confab icon will set out a new individual or group chat ; you may select drug user to add by scrolling through your contacts list , which appears in the fresh chat window , or just by type a friend ’ name . Lin stressed that group chats are a huge vogue in message these days , so the app makes starting a group chat just as light as start an private one .
Video chats target the accent on the conversation , moving the controls out of the way .
When get going a Old World chat or picking up where a conversation go away off , you ’ll notice the independent bottom sailing items vagabond away . The replacement ikon will launch either a video recording confab or a voice chat ; by nonremittal , conversations get as received character messages , just like Skype on your desktop .
I ’ve made a match of Skype outcry and video schmooze with Skype 5.0 on my iPhone , and the caliber naturally calculate on your internet or data connection — much like FaceTime . With a good connection , both the audio and video tone are crisp and clear . I like that Skype ’s controls outride out of the way during video confab , display as small-scale icons at the bottom of the screen , and they do n’t interfere with your chat . you may flex your phone ’s front - front television camera on or off , deaf-and-dumb person or un - tongueless your mike , add a caller , or terminate the call .
One of the most illustrious new feature is offline medium share-out . If a friend is offline , you could still send her effigy or telecasting content . She ’ll receive them the next clock time she enter . Skype wo n’t apprize you of every single subject matter , ping , or incoming call — unless you need it to . The app offer ways to customize your notification , and you could always leave of the app for impermanent radio receiver silence — which is really ready to hand if you use Skype on multiple devices and want to cease the “ pachinko parlor”-esque sounds of multiple notifications going off on your iPhone , pad , and laptop .
While the features and app experience are squeamish , what makes this update a big deal is the stress that the Skype team has placed on making this app a better experience for users .
Skype 5.0 for iPhone is now uncommitted for free in the App Store . The iPad variation will get a standardized update at a late escort .
