Last month, Microsoft published an interesting changelog for a new version of its Skype Windows 10 app before quietly removing it. The release notes mentioned a new design, integration with the Windows 10 sharing menu as well as support for Reactions to Skype messages, but all these features had yet to appear in the universal app.
As it turns out, Microsoft is finally rolling out these new features with the latest version 11.19.805, which is only available for Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Ring for now. To be clear, this is still not the “new Skype experience” that many iOS and Android users have been complaining about over the past few weeks. However, there are some design similarities: the hamburger menu is now gone, and you now access all the settings by tapping your profile picture. The new app also supports the new “Reactions” feature available in the new Skype experience, and we’re also happy to see the app being finally integrated with the Windows 10 Share menu.
Microsoft has yet to re-publish the changelog that it quietly removed last month, but you can find all the details about the new version below:
Our modern, new look helps you get to calls and conversations faster:
- Start new conversations, see your profile and visit the dial pad all from the top of the screen.
- Make changes to your settings via the profile.
- Tell us what you think about the new design using the Send feedback option in your profile.
React to messages with a range of fun emoticons.
- To leave a reaction, simply tap the emoticon button next to a message.
- To see who else left a reaction, tap any reaction below a message.
Connect with family anywhere with your My family group chat. Haven’t set up a family yet? Create one now.
Share files, videos, photos, links and more directly to Skype. Click the Windows share charm and select Skype.
Two weeks ago, Head of the Windows Insider Program explained that Windows 10 native app updates were being paused for Fast Ring Insiders, so it’s not clear when this update will roll out to other Insider rings and the Production ring. For now, we like what Microsoft is doing with the Skype UWP app, and we hope the company will take into account consumer feedback before rolling out the new Skype experience on Windows 10 devices.
