Skype for iOS gets Windows Phone-style makeover with version 5.0
Microsoft on Thursday unleashed an all-new version of its popular Skype messaging application for iOS, bringing a visual overhaul that matches the app to its Windows Phone counterpart and a number of improvements to speed and stability.
The most noticeable difference in the user interface -- aside from the larger, thinner typography -- is the shift from traditional iOS-style tabbed navigation to the trademark swipe gesture used to move between views on Windows Phone. Skype's navigation bar now features just two buttons, allowing quick access to the dialer and chats.
Microsoft says that the new "remastered" version is more than 5 times faster than its predecessor, and the company also promises improvements for users who use Skype on multiple devices. Reading a message on one device will now mark it read on other devices, a welcome improvement.
Additionally, iPhone users can now initiate group chats and the app features in-app notifications to quickly move between conversations.
Initially scheduled to drop next week, Skype for iPhone version 5.0 has been appearing seemingly randomly in regional App Stores around the world throughout the day Thursday. The shaky rollout now seems to be complete, and users can get the app as a free, 44.7-megabyte download from the App Store.
The most noticeable difference in the user interface -- aside from the larger, thinner typography -- is the shift from traditional iOS-style tabbed navigation to the trademark swipe gesture used to move between views on Windows Phone. Skype's navigation bar now features just two buttons, allowing quick access to the dialer and chats.
Microsoft says that the new "remastered" version is more than 5 times faster than its predecessor, and the company also promises improvements for users who use Skype on multiple devices. Reading a message on one device will now mark it read on other devices, a welcome improvement.
Additionally, iPhone users can now initiate group chats and the app features in-app notifications to quickly move between conversations.
Initially scheduled to drop next week, Skype for iPhone version 5.0 has been appearing seemingly randomly in regional App Stores around the world throughout the day Thursday. The shaky rollout now seems to be complete, and users can get the app as a free, 44.7-megabyte download from the App Store.
Comments
Strange they would produce such a video for an update. But nice to see they're focusing on iPhone.
Frankly Apple can't complain much about a MS app not adhering to all the iOS style guidelines when iTunes didn't bend over backwards to be a "normal" Windows app.
I just tried to update and am getting "The item you tried to buy is no longer available"
Since I use Skype as my primary business line, perhaps I should hold off on trying the update again for a bit
Just tried to update and it says "The item you tried to buy is no longer available"
Did it get pulled already?
(and djames4242 beats me by 57 seconds...)
I had to hit update a couple times before it let me install it.
I am not to impressed by the design, to me it makes it feel more cluttered and harder to get to stuff.
It looks... kinda the same?
Strange they would produce such a video for an update. But nice to see they're focusing on iPhone.
MS wanted to see if they could get more than 22 hits for the app...
Tried to update - App Store tells me it is no longer available. Maybe it is broken.
yup its either pulled - or so awesomely desirable that demand overloaded the usb flash drive in the server with the MS apps on it
It looks... kinda the same?
Strange they would produce such a video for an update. But nice to see they're focusing on iPhone.
Its just not an update. Its introducing Windows style navigation to iOS users. Its lot more than what your thought.
yup its either pulled - or so awesomely desirable that demand overloaded the usb flash drive in the server with the MS apps on it
This is in Apple's servers.
This is in Apple's servers.
yes - but i think its still the interns job at apple to be responsible for plugging in the MS flash drive /s
yup its either pulled - or so awesomely desirable that demand overloaded the usb flash drive in the server with the MS apps on it
And it's probably a USB 1.0 flash drive. Far slower data rate than USB 3.0.
Did Windows even have guidelines?
yes - but i think its still the interns job at apple to be responsible for plugging in the MS flash drive /s
And it's probably a USB 1.0 flash drive. Far slower data rate than USB 3.0.
here it is
Is it built with SWIFT?
Unlikely.
Swift is currently in beta. It is doubtful that any major developer will use a beta programming language for an app like Skype. Apple has not promised that the final version of Swift will be source compatible with the version developers currently have access to.
For sure, many developer are dabbling with it, but there's a learning curve associated with any new language (whether it be programming, spoken, whatever).
It's a bit early for people to have grasped all the nuances of a programming language that was introduced about ten days ago.
I just tried to update and am getting "The item you tried to buy is no longer available"
Since I use Skype as my primary business line, perhaps I should hold off on trying the update again for a bit
Just tried to update and it says "The item you tried to buy is no longer available"
Did it get pulled already?
(and djames4242 beats me by 57 seconds...)
Tried to update - App Store tells me it is no longer available. Maybe it is broken.
If you would like to install the update, you should delete the Skype app from your iPhone. Then find Skype in the app store on the iPhone, touch the cloud with the downward arrow, and version 5.0 will download to the iPhone.
You will need to log in.