What you need to know
- Microsoft is bringing an ad-free experience to Skype.
- The new update also brings OneAuth integration to Skype for iOS and revamps the AI image creator experience on Skype Desktop.
- The update also ships with a couple of fixes, including a fix for a bug that prevented users from sending media while connected to a 5G network.
As a seasoned user who has been navigating the digital landscape for decades, I must say, Microsoft’s decision to strip Skype of ads is a breath of fresh air. I remember when ad-filled interfaces were the norm, and it was a constant battle to mute the sales pitch while trying to communicate effectively. This move towards an ad-free experience is a testament to Microsoft’s commitment to understanding user needs and responding accordingly.
Microsoft plans to significantly enhance the Skype experience by eliminating advertisements, a feature that has been widely criticized, from the entire platform.
According to Microsoft’s Skype product manager Irene Namuganyi:
As a researcher working on Skype’s development, I am thrilled to announce that we have rolled out an update. This update strips away all advertisements across Skype channels and the entire platform, aiming to deliver a sleeker, less crowded, and more pleasant user experience.
Users can now savor an advertisement-free journey as they engage with the app on all devices, thanks to feedback from users. Microsoft aims to enhance their experience by offering a fresh approach that lets them concentrate on their conversations without any annoying ad interruptions. This results in a more streamlined and user-friendly Skype interaction.
More changes for AI in Skype
Beyond offering an ad-free environment on Skype, Microsoft is also introducing significant updates to its integrated AI Image Creation tool. These updates include easier access to the tool, either via the chat window or the top menu, and a redesigned user interface for enhanced usability.
With the latest upgrade, OneAuth integration is now available on Skype for iOS. This means that users who are already logged into any other Microsoft application such as Teams can automatically access Skype without needing to sign in again.
Lastly, the update also ships with a few fixes for known issues, as highlighted below:
- Fixed an issue where some users could not send media when connected to a 5G network.
- Fixed the bug where users could hear the ringtone but were unable to pick up the call on iOS.
You might be aware that Microsoft releases updates gradually. This means it’s likely not every Skype Insider gets to test new features and bug fixes right away.
As an analyst, I find myself compelled to express my observations about a situation that has stirred up quite a bit of controversy lately: Microsoft’s strategy to integrate advertisements across the Windows 11 operating system. The latest marketing campaign, in particular, has been met with criticism due to its aggressive approach, which includes full-screen, multipage popup ads that urge Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11 before they lose support. This tactic seems to have sparked a wave of backlash from users who feel pressured by these persistent reminders.
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2024-07-31 16:39