Skype today announced the release of a preview version of its next-generation desktop software, which is designed to emulate the redesigned mobile experience that it released in June.

The new version of Skype shares design elements with the mobile version, but it has been created for the desktop's larger screen. Microsoft calls it the "most expressive Skype ever" with livelier group chats, real-time screen and photo sharing, and more.

skypepreview1
Skype's redesign features a new notification panel that displays mentions and message reactions, allowing users to better keep up with conversations.

There's a new chat media gallery for keeping track of photos and documents shared in a chat, and group calls feature in-call reactions with emoji that can be shared.

skypepreview2
Skype Preview is available immediately for Mac users via the Skype Insider website.

Tag: Skype

Top Rated Comments

Appleaker Avatar
109 months ago
What a stupid decision, or a good decision if they want their users to leave the platform.

This is an interface that is widely hated, especially by their current users. This abandons their current users in a pathetic attempt to regain popularity and attract new users.

If this goes ahead as it is today, there should be another version of Skype for more professional use, or just people who don’t want the aspects of the “most expressive Skype yet”
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mrzz Avatar
109 months ago
It's getting worse and worse. Literally bunch of idi*ts work on this SW. I am not planning upgrade to this crap. Sorry for such words, but..
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
fokmik Avatar
109 months ago
i hate the mobile skype app...i no longer have a list with "online users"
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
luvbug Avatar
109 months ago
There are folks still actually using Skype? I'm shocked!
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
UL2RA Avatar
109 months ago
i hate the mobile skype app...i no longer have a list with "online users"
It's absolutely dreadful. I have no idea what they were thinking.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BeSweeet Avatar
109 months ago
It's so bad. It's just as inefficient of a UI on a bigger screen as on a smaller one. Too much wasted space. Nobody asked for something like that.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

apple music chatgpt

ChatGPT's Apple Music Integration Is Now Live

Wednesday December 17, 2025 3:50 pm PST by
There's now a dedicated Apple Music app for ChatGPT, which allows ChatGPT to make music recommendations and build playlists. Apple Music can be added to ChatGPT through the Settings section in the Mac app, website, or iOS app. Apple Music is listed under the apps option, and connecting to it requires signing in with your Apple Account for authorization purposes. ChatGPT can be used to...
iPhone Top Left Hole Punch Face ID Feature Purple

iPhone 18 Pro Features Leaked in New Report, Including Under-Screen Face ID

Tuesday December 16, 2025 8:44 am PST by
Next year's iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will be equipped with under-screen Face ID, and the front camera will be moved to the top-left corner of the screen, according to a new report from The Information's Wayne Ma and Qianer Liu. As a result of these changes, the report said the iPhone 18 Pro models will not have a pill-shaped Dynamic Island cutout at the top of the screen....
top stories 2025 12 20

Top Stories: iOS 26.3 Beta, Major Apple Leaks, and More

Saturday December 20, 2025 6:00 am PST by
You'd think things would be slowing down heading into the holidays, but this week saw a whirlwind of Apple leaks and rumors while Apple started its next cycle of betas following last week's release of iOS 26.2 and related updates. This week also saw the release of a new Apple Music integration with ChatGPT, so read on below for all the details on this week's biggest stories! Top Stories i...
airpods pro 3 new blue

AirPods Pro 3's Static and Noise Issues Haven't Been Resolved

Thursday December 18, 2025 3:44 pm PST by
Since the AirPods Pro 3 launched, there have been complaints from users who have noticed a static-like sound or a crackling issue when using the earbuds, particularly when Active Noise Cancellation is on but no media is playing. Users have also run into strange high-pitched whistling sounds that happen intermittently. We shared the issues back in late October, and despite two subsequent...
apple beta 26 lineup

Apple's 2026 and 2027 Product Roadmap: Foldable iPhone, iPhone 18 Pro, M5 Macs, and More

Tuesday December 16, 2025 4:42 pm PST by
There has been a whirlwind of rumors over the last few days, sourced from leaked internal software designed for the iPhone and the Mac, and news sites like The Information. Below, we have a quick recap of everything we've heard this week, which serves as a guide to Apple's product plans in 2026 and beyond. We've organized the info by likely release date, though there are some products that...
iOS 26 Maps Glass

Apple Quietly Discontinued Flyover City Tours in Apple Maps

Thursday December 18, 2025 1:31 pm PST by
Apple Maps no longer offers a Flyover feature that provides users with automated tours of notable landmarks in major cities. The Flyover option appears to have been nixed around when iOS 26 launched, but its removal went largely unnoticed. Flyover city tours were introduced in 2014 with iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite, using Flyover imagery to generate an aerial tour. Most cities with Flyover...
iOS 26

Apple Releases First iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 Public Betas

Wednesday December 17, 2025 10:06 am PST by
Apple today provided beta testers with the first releases of upcoming iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, tvOS 26.3, and watchOS 26.3 updates for testing purposes. The public betas come a couple of days after Apple provided the betas to developers. Anyone can download and install public betas, and all that's required is to sign up on Apple's beta site. Once you've opted in, the software can be...