Skype grid view grows to twelve people in video calls

What you need to know

• Skype can now show up to twelve people at once in a grid during video calls.
• The same update also brings custom backdrop support to Skype on Windows, Mac, Linux, and the web.
• The update brings Skype to version 8.62, which is available now.

Skype just gained some handy new features across all platforms. The Windows, Mac, Linux, and Web versions of Skype just gained backdrop options and every version now lets you see twelve people in a grid view (previously the limit was nine). The features roll out in Skype version 8.62 which is available now.

The Windows, Mac, Linux, and Web versions now let you choose from predefined backgrounds that are included within the app. You can also upload your own backgrounds to personalize calls.

Here is the complete changelog for Skype 8.62 as shared by Microsoft:

Skype for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Web

• Choose your backdrop: You can now choose one of our predefined backgrounds for video calls, in addition to uploading your own. Learn how to customize your background on Skype.
• The more the merrier: You can now see more of your friends than ever in a video call; up to twelve in the new grid view. Learn more about views in Skype video calls.
• Bug fixes and stability improvements. We've improved message sync when some conversations weren't updating, as well as made a few general improvements.

Skype for Android, iPhone, and iPad

• The more the merrier: You can now see more of your friends than ever in a video call; up to eight on your phone and up to nine on your tablet. Learn more about views in Skype video calls.
• Bug fixes and stability improvements. We've improved message sync when some conversations weren't updating, as well as made a few general improvements.

The ability to view more people on a screen at once should make group calls easier and more sociable. With more people working from home, video calls are on the rise on just about every platform.