San Francisco, June 13 - Microsoft has introduced AI capabilities and improved translation features to the Skype platform in its latest update.
The updated version (8.99.76.102 for Insiders) of Skype includes a range of new features and fixes to ensure reliability.
Users now have the ability to access accurate real-time weather conditions directly within Skype on desktop platforms. For more detailed information, a weather icon is available, which opens a comprehensive weather webpage.
With the new update, users can easily differentiate between Skype-to-Skype calls and Skype-to-phone calls.
According to Microsoft's blogpost, "Enjoy clear differentiation between Skype-to-Skype and Skype-to-phone calls. Initiate Skype-to-Skype calls and create Skype links effortlessly within the Calls tab. The Phone tab provides easy access to your Skype Number, credit balance, available international call subscriptions, and Skype credit recharge options."
Additionally, the update introduces interactive Bing chat prompts to Skype.
Users can tap on any of the Bing chat prompts in a Bing 1:1 chat to enter a Bing conversation and submit the chosen prompt. The prompts are randomly reshuffled after each interaction and upon each Skype client startup, ensuring a unique experience every time. This feature is available on all platforms.
The new version also brings the Bing toolbox to Skype.
"The Bing toolbox, located in the top right corner of the Bing 1:1 chat, offers examples of various Bing usage scenarios such as education, social media, travel, creativity, entertainment, language, sports, technology, and more. The Bing toolbox is available on all platforms," said the company.
First-time users now have immediate access to Bing chats without any waitlist.
Furthermore, the company has streamlined the Contacts tab for users, prioritizing Skype Contacts for easier access. This change applies to all platforms.