Back in September 2015, Skype updated both its iOS and Android apps to version 6.0, leaving behind the former Windows Phone 8.1 inspired look for updated designs that looked much more respectful of their respective mobile platforms. On Android, the Skype team continued to iterate on its Android app by following Google’s “material design” guidelines, adding a context-sensitive button floating at the lower-right corner in the main view.
However, the app’s tablet layout had yet to be updated with the new material design on Android tablets. That’s now been accomplished in Skype 7.0 for Android according to a new blog post on the Skype blog. You can learn more details about the new tablet UI below:
We’ve redesigned the tablet UI from the ground up, bringing a number of material design inspired elements. The new floating action button (FAB) makes it faster to send messages and start voice and video calls with friends or groups—all from the main screen of the app. The FAB changes your Skype experience dynamically to give you quick access to important features like messaging, voice, video calls and Skype bots.
In landscape mode, the Android Skype app looks similar to the Skype iPad app, which is not exactly surprising. This new multi-pane view allows for better multitasking: “Simply flip your device and you’ll be able to send messages, files and check your latest conversations while on a video or voice call”, explained the Skype team.
Furthermore, Skype 7.0 for Android also brings two new features for Android tablets: the first one is “universal search” that allow users to quickly find contacts, chats, groups and Skype bots right from the main screen of the app. Last, the updated app will now automatically add user’s address book contacts in their Skype contact list, with the team adding that “if they aren’t already using Skype, it’s now easier than ever to invite them”.
You can get the updated app from the download link below. If you use the app on your Android tablet, let us know in the comments if you like this new material design.
