Skype will add free group video calling to its mobile apps
– Skype will soon be adding one of its most requested features.
Microsoft will soon add free group video calls to Skype’s iOS, Android and Windows 10 mobile apps, the company announced Tuesday. The update is expected to roll out to Skype’s respective apps “over the next few weeks.”
Once it’s live, the update will allow Skype users to make video calls with as many as 25 participants for free. While Skype has supported group video calls for some time, the feature was previously available only to those who subscribed to Skype for Business (though the free apps have supported group audio calls.)
It’s not clear exactly when the feature will roll out to each app but Microsoft says it’s coming soon. Microsoft is also offering the chance to get your hands on it ahead of its release to those who sign up for a preview version on its website. The company announced the update in a blog post commemorating the service’s 10-year anniversary (yes, it’s okay if that makes you feel old.)
Free group video calling should be a welcome update for many users. While free group video calls should be table stakes by now, it’s a feature that’s still missing from many of the biggest chat services, including FaceTime and Facebook Messenger.
The update could also help Skype gain new momentum. The app has recently added Snapchat-like filters, new emoji and other features clearly meant to appeal to a younger audience.
Skype (/ˈskaɪp/) is an application that specializes in providing video chat and voice calls. Users can also exchange text and video messages, files and images, as well as create conference calls. Skype is available on Microsoft Windows, Mac, or Linux, as well as Android, Blackberry, iOS and Windows smartphones and tablets. Skype is based on a freemium model. Much of the service is free, but users require Skype Credit or a subscription to call landline or mobile numbers. As of February 2012, there were 34 million concurrently online on Skype;[18] at the end of 2010, there were over 660 million worldwide users, with over 300 million estimated active each month as of August 2015.
-mashable