Among the new features for the Android version is the ability to launch Skype on the web on your Android smartphone or tablet. Compatible Android web browsers include Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and other Chromium-based browsers. Microsoft is also bringing background blurring to Skype for Android (via). This is a long-sought-after feature by Skype users. The company said it is also fixing issues with video rendering on mobile devices. Additionally, the app is getting support for audio calls via Mozilla Firefox, allowing you to use the web version of Skype on “virtually any browser.” The company is also modernizing the app’s look while bringing improvements to the Meet Now flow.
The Skype team is also bringing some bug fixes with the Skype 8.77 update
Skype users can now pin call participants to the active call stage. This is helpful when there are several participants in a call. Furthermore, the camera function on Skype is getting an update as well, now allowing users “to take full advantage of Office Lens.” The Skype team says it has fixed a bug on Android which wouldn’t turn off video when locking a device. Meanwhile, the Windows, Mac, Linux, and Web versions of Skype are getting most of the same improvements with the version 8.77 update. This includes background blurring, audio calls support in Firefox, the ability to pin participants to the active call stage, and so on. These features will begin rolling out gradually to the users starting this week. However, it could take a few days to reflect on all devices. Android users can check for an available update via the Play Store. Skype said in September that its Android app is getting a 2,000% performance boost. The Microsoft-owned messaging service is also bringing a “Skype Universal Translator” in the future. This will offer real-time translation on video calls or even landlines. Microsoft has grand plans for Skype, as the service competes in the crowded online video-conferencing industry. Google continues to be one of its biggest rivals with apps like Meet and Duo.
