Looks like Skype Preview is getting an update across Windows 10 PCs and mobile phones today. Version 11.9 includes the SMS relay which lets users send and receive text messages (including images) through Skype. This is a wonderful addition seeing how most of the SMS/MMS to PC applications cost a subscription price.
For the SMS Relay to work, the user will need to have Skype Preview on both the Windows Mobile phone and PC.
Furthermore, Skype Preview 11.9 is now able to connect with Skype for Business to combine a messaging system for both personal and business contacts.
Here are some other improvements:
- Improved messaging – Drag and drop files and images up to 300MB into your chat to quickly share them with friends and family, right click on a message and select “Quote Message” so you will know who said what in your chats, see an image preview of a shared URL rather than a long link, and stay on top of messages with an unread message indicator in chat.
- Easier calling – Manage audio and video devices from Skype settings to select a preferred camera, microphone or speaker and test audio before a call.
- Enhanced profiles – Start a call or conversation from a contact’s profile page, add/remove/block contacts, view initials of a contact if they don’t have a profile picture, and unblock any contact you may currently have blocked.
- Additional Windows Mobile updates – Video calls will now default to loud speaker and we’ve improved back button navigation.
According to the announcement post, the Skype Team is working on bringing SMS Relay to Android, too. Microsoft’s focus to make their products and services integrate between mobile, PC, and all devices is one that we can really get behind, particularly if it means not having to look for our phone every time it dings with a message.
