Skype for Mac was today updated to version 7.0, with a significant redesign that brings mobile design elements to the desktop app. The app's flatter look incorporates new icons and a new blue layout that aims to create a richer chat experience.

Skype's new mobile-style layout will help it fit right in with OS X Yosemite, expected to be released to the public later this month. OS X Yosemite also incorporates several design elements taken directly from iOS 7 and 8, the basis of the Skype mobile design.

skypeformac

Today we're excited to announce Skype for Mac 7.0 as well as the preview for the new Skype for Windows -- both of which have been redesigned to make it easier to chat and share. If you're already using Skype on mobile, you'll recognize some of these changes. We've made the Skype experience consistent whether you are using your mobile device or your desktop PC. Now, you'll see thumbnail pictures of your contacts, a new bubble-style chat design, and consistent icons for chat, video calls and audio calls.

A chat sidebar allows users to chat and share images while on a video call with a single click, with images shown instantly once they download. Sharing of other types of files, like PDFs, has also been improved.

There's a also new bubble-style chat design drawn directly from the mobile app, and Skype says that its free group video calling has been improved in the new app.

Skype for Mac can be downloaded for free from the Skype website and existing users can update from within their Skype apps.

Top Rated Comments

5t3f4n Avatar
110 months ago
Why would you use a screenshot from Windows for this article.
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Cougarcat Avatar
110 months ago
Microsoft really messed Skype up. It used to be functional - now I can barely use it. And it's definitely Microsoft because I have an Xbox Music account (don't ask why) and the Xbox website is so dysfunctional it's unbelievable. I've never liked Windows, and hardly ever used it.

IMO, Skype went downhill when they released the huge UI without the compact UI options, and that was before Microsoft.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jclo Avatar
110 months ago
Yes, but there's a Mac screen in the same blog post...

Sorry. I don't have an explanation other than I wrote it pre-caffeine. I updated the post for you guys with the Mac screenshot.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TallGuyGT Avatar
110 months ago
I used to use Skype all the time until my friends overseas got iPhones and Macs. Now it's all iMessage and FaceTime.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
wikiverse Avatar
110 months ago
IMO, Skype went downhill when they released the huge UI without the compact UI options, and that was before Microsoft.

Agreed. Skype 2.8 was the greatest desktop layout for a chat client the world had ever seen.

Skype 5 was a just a casserole of nonsense.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Jarman74 Avatar
110 months ago
Why would you use a screenshot from Windows for this article.
Because nobody would notice. Oh wait.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

dynamic island

iPhone 15 Dynamic Island to Include New Integrated Proximity Sensor

Friday March 24, 2023 12:27 am PDT by
This year, all iPhone 15 models will include Apple's Dynamic Island that unifies the pill and hole cutouts at the top of the display, but there will also be a material change to the feature that wasn't included in the iPhone 14 Pro models. According to a new tweet by Apple industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the proximity sensor on the iPhone 15 series will be integrated inside the Dynamic Island ...
apple park at night 1

Apple 'Tracking Employee Attendance' in Crackdown on Remote Working

Thursday March 23, 2023 3:41 am PDT by
Apple is tracking the attendance of its employees at offices using badge records in order to ensure they are coming in at least three times a week, according to Platformer's Zoë Schiffer. Since April 2022, Apple employees have been operating on a hybrid home/office work policy as part of a gradual return strategy following the pandemic, with staff required to work from the office at least...
iphone 14 pro max deep purple feature purple

iPhone 15 Pro Rumor Recap: 10 New Features and Changes to Expect

Thursday March 23, 2023 6:42 am PDT by
While the iPhone 15 series is still around six months away from launching, there have already been plenty of rumors about the devices. Many new features and changes have been rumored for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max in particular. Below, we have recapped 10 changes rumored for iPhone 15 Pro models that are not expected to be available on the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus:A1...
maxresdefault

Nothing Launches $149 Ear (2) Wireless Earbuds to Compete With AirPods Pro 2

Wednesday March 22, 2023 9:48 am PDT by
Nothing today announced the launch of its second-generation wireless earbuds, the Nothing Ear (2), which offer many of the same features as Apple's AirPods Pro 2 at a lower price point. We went hands-on with the Ear (2) earbuds to see whether they're a viable alternative to the AirPods Pro 2 for those who want to save some cash. The Ear (2) earbuds are the successor to the Nothing Ear (1),...
TMobile Sprint

Apple Stops Allowing Sprint iPhone Activations, Removes Sprint References From Online Store

Thursday March 23, 2023 12:06 pm PDT by
Apple is no longer allowing customers who purchase an iPhone, cellular iPad, or Apple Watch to activate a device with now-defunct mobile carrier Sprint. Apple has also removed remaining references to Sprint from its online store. When checking out with a new purchase, Sprint is no longer an option for connectivity, a change that Apple appears to have implemented today. Prior to now, Sprint...
iOS 16

iOS 16.4 for iPhone Nearing Launch With These 5 New Features

Monday March 20, 2023 11:50 am PDT by
Apple says iOS 16.4 is coming in the spring, which began this week. In his Sunday newsletter, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said the update should be released "in the next three weeks or so," meaning a public release is likely in late March or early April. iOS 16.4 remains in beta testing and introduces a handful of new features and changes for the iPhone. Below, we have recapped five new features ...
Hero0009

Best Apple Deals of the Week: Samsung's Smart Monitor M8 Gets Massive $250 Discount, Along With Year's Best AirPods Prices

Friday March 24, 2023 10:23 am PDT by
We saw a lot of great deals on Apple products and related accessories this week, including Samsung's iMac-like Smart Monitor M8 for $250 off, a 30 percent off spring sale at Anker, and the year's best prices on numerous AirPods models. All of these deals are still available to purchase right now, so we're recapping them and more below. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these ...
top stories 25mar2023

Top Stories: iPhone 15 Pro Design Leak, iOS 16.4 Coming Soon, and More

Saturday March 25, 2023 6:00 am PDT by
We're still almost six months away from the official unveiling of the iPhone 15 lineup, but it seems like every day we're learning more about what to expect from the next-generation models. Notably, this week gave us our clearest look yet at what appear to be some changes for the volume and mute control hardware. iOS 16.4 and associated releases are also right around the corner with some new ...