Microsoft releases preview version of revamped Skype for Windows desktop app

Microsoft has released a preview version of a revamped Skype app for Windows desktop users that includes a number of new features and improvements for the popular messaging and chat app.

In a blog post, Microsoft stated, "Now, you'll see thumbnail pictures of your contacts, a new bubble-style chat design, and consistent icons for chat, video calls and audio calls." It added:

"On Windows, there's more spacing between contacts and chats, as well as message previews for unread chats, making it even easier to follow conversations. We've made improvements to other types of file sharing, too. When you share file types like Office documents and PDFs, you'll see file icons displayed to make it easier to visually scan for and find different files in your chat history."

The new UI now allows user to conduct video chats on one side while also texting messages and sharing photos and files on the other side. Finally, this preview version's new design offers better support for group video calls.

If you have downloaded and used this preview version, what is your opinion on the new design and features?

Source: Microsoft, Skype Windows desktop preview

John Callaham