Windows Insiders can now start testing out Compact Overlay mode with Microsoft's Skype Preview app. One of the more intriguing features coming to Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps in the Creators Update, Compact Overlay lets you take apps that support it and put them in a always-on-top window over any other apps you have open.
So... you know how we mentioned #SkypePreview would be implementing CompactOverlay (aka Picture-in-Picture)? Guess what! 😃😎 #WindowsInsiders pic.twitter.com/oPpUJr2mnwSo... you know how we mentioned #SkypePreview would be implementing CompactOverlay (aka Picture-in-Picture)? Guess what! 😃😎 #WindowsInsiders pic.twitter.com/oPpUJr2mnw— Jen Gentleman 🌺 (@JenMsft) March 5, 2017March 5, 2017
As you'd expect, Compact Overlay with Skype Preview works just as intended. If you're in a call, you can park the app in a corner where it will overlap any other Windows you have open. The obvious result is that you can keep an eye on your call and multitask to your hearts' content. Do be aware that this requires Skype Preview version 11.12.96.0 and Creators Update Insider build 15048 (the current Fast ring release) to start testing.
Compact Overlay is definitely an interesting addition, and we should see it start to make its way to more Microsoft UWP apps as the Creators Update release approaches in April. For example, the Movies & TV app recently added support for the feature and it might be in the works for Edge as well.
