skype

Microsoft has revealed that it's updating the widely used Skype software with tools to improve call recording. The voice and video calling service isn't getting a native recording feature, mind you, but instead is streamlining its integration with existing third-party apps like Wirecast, Xsplit, and Vmix, making it easier for streamers, vloggers, and podcast hosts to get quality recordings for audio and video production.

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Signal, the company behind the encrypted messaging app by the same name, has announced a new partnership with Microsoft. Under this partnership, Signal will help Microsoft bring a new feature to Skype called 'Private Conversations.' With Private Conversations, users can choose to engage in conversations secured by end-to-end encryption, a feature many Skype users have been requesting but that still isn't available to general users.

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Beginning today, Skype is going to look a lot different, at least on desktop. For some time now, the team behind Skype has had a new desktop app available in preview, but now it's ready to roll that redesign into full release. The update offers a number of new features that should allow Skype to better compete with other messaging services like Slack and Discord.

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What would a chat bot do in a chat app? Now butt in hopefully. But Cortana could, at your command, chat for you if needed. Of course, it won't be holding a conversation with your friend but will instead suggest things to answer back. And if you need to, you can even talk to Cortana directly. That is what Cortana is bringing to Skype users on Android and iOS, bringing the battle of AI assistants to your messaging.

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It's been six months since Microsoft Teams rolled out to Office 365 users on a global scale, and in that time, Microsoft's Slack competitor has netted itself a fair number of users. Microsoft revealed today that 125,000 organizations around the world are using Teams, and it has a new plan for intelligent communications that it hopes will draw in the organizations who have yet to make the jump.

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Today PayPal was added to Skype, and Skype's Send Money feature was enabled. Microsoft suggested that the age of "I still need to pay you for that Mother's Day gift" is over - and the age of "here is that money I owe you for that Mother's Day gift right now" have begun. Send Money is available to some users in some countries today - but works for almost any Android or iPhone device in your pocket right this minute.

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Last month, Microsoft introduced a completely overhauled version of Skype, one that borrows heavily from Snapchat and that, for the most part, really upset users. The revolt was swift and harsh, and many have jumped ship altogether, electing to move to a different product entirely. Though the new version isn't going anywhere, the backlash has been at least a tiny bit successful in getting changes: Microsoft has brought back the status icon, for example, as well as another feature.

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Microsoft recently pushed out a completely overhauled Skype product, one that borrows heavily from Snapchat, and, well, people hate it. Both the App Store and the Google Play Store are awash with 1-star reviews from users complaining about the new UI, many choosing to abandon it entirely in favor of something they feel will be more usable. If you've been with Skype for a long time, making the transition can be daunting. Where to go? What to do? Fret not -- many suitable alternatives have arisen over the years.

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Microsoft has completely rebuilt Skype, taking one of the more frustrating - but, for many, essential - apps and giving it a much-needed makeover. Apparently remade from the ground up, the new Skype launches on mobile first before segueing to the desktop. It puts chat at the forefront, and not just voice calls, and makes a serious (or seriously needy, depending on your stance) play for Millennials who might be currently obsessed with Snapchat.

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A few months ago, Microsoft launched its Skype for Linux Alpha software, giving Linux users a chance to utilize the popular VoIP application. Things appear to be moving smoothly, as Microsoft has announced the launch of Skype for Linux Beta 5.0, marking the software’s transition from alpha to beta status. With this transition, says Microsoft, comes some new features for Linux users.

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Skype WiFi is being discontinued, Microsoft has announced, with the company planning to shutter the service on March 31. Once that date rolls around, no one will be able to download the Skype WiFi app, and those who already have it installed will no longer be able to use it -- that is, it won't find hotspots anymore. Microsoft's reason for discontinuing the service? It has better things to focus on.

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Emojis are so big that there’s even a movie about them. Of course, you don’t have to go that far to see that. Just open up your favorite messaging app and see for yourself. Unless you happen to be using Skype, in which case no emojis for you. That, however, changes with the latest Skype Preview, which promises users new ways of expressing themselves. Which is just a thinly veiled statement that says, yes, Skype is getting emoticons and stickers.

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