Microsoft addresses complaints about the new Skype app, says “we will build the next generation together”

Arif Bacchus

Ever since the new version of Skype started to roll out to iOS and Android across the globe, there has been a massive uprising from some Skype users, who vented their frustrations in app store reviews. Indeed, users have complained that the new Skype experience on mobile “the worst ever,” with some even saying that they “can’t understand” how Microsoft even decided to “roll an unfinished beta version.”

Well, it turns out that the Skype team was listening, as the team today penned a blog post which noted that the new Skype app was a “big change.” The post explains that the Skype team is always listening, updating, and responding to feedback. And, more importantly, the post headlines that going forward, the Skype team will be “building the next generation of Skype together” with the community.

The post also points to some initial changes which have already rolled out, such as the ability to delete contacts, conversations, and to multi-task while calling. With this so, it turns out there will be more on the way to address the needs of the Skype community:

Our mission doesn’t stop there. We’ll continue to make improvements—including new features and functions—over the coming months. We want to make sure you’re using the new Skype the way you want, so we’re reintroducing:

  • Status display for your contacts on the home screen, so you can easily see who is active
  • Native sharing capabilities on both Android and iOS, allowing you to share content to Skype chats from other apps and services
  • More themes and colors options to enable you to personalize Skype
  • An updated user interface to improve legibility and to make it easier to navigate and access your conversations.
Status display
The return of status display icons in the new Skype

It is great to see that the Skype team has listened to the complaints of users. So, if you’re feeling that features are missing from the app, or if you think it is too buggy, it’s best not to go on a rant in a review on the App Store. You should rather submit your feedback directly through the Skype Community, or via the Skype app from the “Send Feedback” option.