We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

Oh, Hello There

Skype is bringing back more granular presence controls following feedback

Microsoft is giving Skype users more granular control over their online status with new presence controls.
Dan Thorp-Lancaster

Skype New

As part of Microsoft's recent Skype overhaul, it changed how the app handled the online status of users. Gone were manual presence controls for toggling from "Active" to "Do Not Disturb." In their place, Skype would simply show you as active to others while you were using the app. Like other parts of the overhaul, many were apparently not happy with this change, and now Microsoft is making some changes to address that feedback.

In a post on the Microsoft Answers forum, Skype Insider Program Manager detailed the following changes coming to presence controler:

You asked, we delivered

  • Let me change my status. You can now set your presence from your avatar.
  • I want to be invisible. Added more presence options.
  • Show me my status. You can now always see the status you are showing others.
  • I cannot see who is online, make the green dot bigger! Made the presence indicators on your contacts larger.

Skype Presence controls

Kilbourne says that these new presence options are rolling out now to Insiders on iOS, Android, Linux, Mac and Windows desktop with Skype version 8.8.76.61480. They'll also make their way to the Universal Windows Platform (UWP) Skype app "soon."

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

Microsoft's new web-based Outlook client officially launches in preview
Web email

Microsoft's new web-based Outlook client officially launches in preview

Microsoft has officially announced its new Outlook client, which is now available in preview for Office Insiders in the Beta Channel. The new app is accessible via a "preview" toggle in the Outlook desktop app. Enabling the toggle will transform the legacy Office app into a new web-based one, featuring new features and a new UI.