Skype Gains Background Blurring Feature - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Skype Gains Background Blurring Feature

by

skype logoSkype is getting a new screen-blurring feature this week. Users of Microsoft's video and voice calling service can now choose to blur the background on video calls if the scene behind them is something they'd rather not share.

The idea behind the feature is to save the user's blushes because of the messy room they're skyping from, or to obscure a business plan on a whiteboard behind them, for instance.

Background blur in Skype and Teams uses artificial intelligence (AI)—trained in human form detection—to keep you in focus during your call. This technology is also trained to detect your hair, hands, and arms, making a call with background blur just as relaxed and easy as a regular video call.

Background blur in Skype is similar to background blur in Microsoft Teams, according to the software giant. The results are somewhat akin to the "bokeh" effect most commonly seen in Portrait photos on iPhone, but in this case in a live video stream.

skype background blurring feature
The feature is rolling out on desktops, mobile, and web, and can be enabled in Skype's settings or by using the video call button.

Tag: Skype

Top Rated Comments

Xenc Avatar
94 months ago
“What’s that blur coming out of your shower darling?” o_O
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
94 months ago
All this software to try mimic a larger sensor and fast lens. I'll stick to using my DSLR on a tripod for video calls.
Awesome! Stick to the 60s while world is moving forward! Good for you mate.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ruka.snow Avatar
94 months ago
All this software to try mimic a larger sensor and fast lens. I'll stick to using my DSLR on a tripod for video calls.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Asarien Avatar
94 months ago
All this software to try mimic a larger sensor and fast lens. I'll stick to using my DSLR on a tripod for video calls.
Awesome! Stick to the 60s while world is moving forward! Good for you mate.
For someone who knows how to use sarcasm, you're pretty bad at detecting it, mate.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nvmls Avatar
94 months ago
“What’s that blur coming out of your shower darling?” o_O
"Kittie grew & likes water now darling.."
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ArtOfWarfare Avatar
94 months ago
unlike this feature, it doesn’t scream or even suggest “I don’t want you to see I’m a clutter monster and therefore unprofessional”.
I don't think background blur is going to suggest this... people should be looking at you, not behind you. If there was something interesting behind you, maybe they'd notice it, but since it's just a blur behind you, they won't notice it. Out of sight, out of mind.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

macworld iphone 18 pro colors

iPhone 18 Pro's Four Rumored Colors Revealed, Including 'Dark Cherry'

Friday April 17, 2026 3:50 am PDT by
A source said to be familiar with Apple's supply chain today revealed the color options Apple is planning for the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the upcoming foldable iPhone. Image via Macworld. The information comes from Macworld, which says the signature new color for this year's Pro models will be Dark Cherry, a deep wine-like red. While other sources had previously reported on a...
ipad mini 7 feature red and blue

OLED iPad Mini: Release Date, Pricing, and What to Expect

Wednesday April 15, 2026 8:15 am PDT by
According to the latest rumors, Apple is close to launching its next-generation iPad mini. So what should we expect from the successor to the iPad mini 7 that Apple released over a year ago? Read on to find out. Processor and Performance Apple is working on a next-generation version of the iPad mini (codename J510/J511) that features the A19 Pro chip, according to information found in code...
apple design award 2025

Apple Announces 2025 Design Award Winners Ahead of WWDC 2025

Tuesday June 3, 2025 10:14 am PDT by
As we wait for WWDC to kick off next Monday, Apple today announced the winners of its annual Apple Design Awards, recognizing apps and games for their innovation, ingenuity, and technical achievement. The 2025 Apple Design Award winners are listed below, with one app and one game selected per category: Delight and Fun - CapWords (App) and Balatro (Game) Innovation - Play (App) and PBJ -...