Microsoft recently rolled out a revamped design for its iOS app, and now it's looking to bring some of the same tweaks to Android (opens in new tab). Available for testing in the Skype Preview (opens in new tab) app, the revamp sees the same bottom navigation bar added to the Android app, along with some other UI tweaks.
In addition to the bottom navigation bar, the pivot navigation originally found at the top of the app is now gone. The app's header has also seen a revamp, placing notification access on the left and a search option on the right. The changes are rounded out by a floating action button that changes depending on context.
Here's an official look at what's new, according to Microsoft:
- Adheres to Google's Material Design guidelines for bottom bar navigation
- Brings back a contextual FAB for quick access to key actions
- Has an updated header & search icon to feel more at home on Android
Microsoft is also introducing what it calls "SuperComposer" on both iOS and Android. The experience is called up as a new screen when you tap the compose button, bringing up handy actions, including your "recent contact list, as well as easy access to actions including new group, search bots, add contact, invite to Skype, and make a call" Microsoft says.
If you want to give the revamp a shot before it rolls out to everyone, you can see all of what's new by grabbing the Skype Preview app on Google Play (opens in new tab). Assuming testing goes well, the release version of the Skype app should see the changes soon as well.
Dan Thorp-Lancaster is the Editor in Chief for Windows Central. He began working with Windows Central as a news writer in 2014 and is obsessed with tech of all sorts. You can follow Dan on Twitter @DthorpL and Instagram @heyitsdtl. Got a hot tip? Send it to daniel.thorp-lancaster@futurenet.com.
