Skype Testing Feature on iOS and Android That Lets You Share Your Screen With a Friend

Friday April 12, 2019 5:04 AM PDT by Mitchel Broussard
Skype has begun testing a feature on the iOS and Android beta versions of the company's app, allowing users to share their screens during a call (via The Verge). According to Microsoft, this will let users share a PowerPoint presentation with coworkers, browse dating apps with friends, or go online shopping with a family member.


To see the new addition, you must be part of the Skype Insider program for beta testers, which you can sign up for on the company's website. To get to screen sharing, beta testers can tap on the ellipsis icon during a call and select "Share Screen." Skype didn't give any indication about a wider launch for the feature.

Earlier this month, Skype increased the number of users that can be on the same audio or video group call to 50 (previously the max was 25). This update put Skype ahead of Apple's FaceTime for the number of users that can take part in a group call, since FaceTime supports a maximum of 32 people.

Tag: Skype
20 comments


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QuarterSwede
19 weeks ago
Too bad Apple hasn’t added this to FaceTime. That would be truly useful for those of us with family that are computer illiterate even on iOS. I’m definitely interested in trying out Skype again just for this feature.
Rating: 4 Votes
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bstpierre
19 weeks ago

Too bad Apple hasn’t added this to FaceTime. That would be truly useful for those of us with family that are computer illiterate even on iOS. I’m definitely interested in trying out Skype again just for this feature.


Especially if the person on the other end can give you "mouse and keyboard" control.
Rating: 2 Votes
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jlc1978
19 weeks ago

Skype has done a lot to stay relevant in an industry where old players have been replaced by new ones. I use Skype everyday - more than I did 10 years ago. Kudos!


Same here. It is the most reliable VIOP I have found for overseas calling; as well as for when I want to use my computer for a call. The only issue I have is some countries block Skype2Skype so for them I use Whatsapp, but that requires the other party to have it as well; or I simply use Skype and pay a few cents a minute.
Rating: 2 Votes
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aka20p
19 weeks ago

('https://www.macrumors.com/2019/04/12/skype-testing-share-screen/')


Skype has begun testing ('https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/skype/forum/all/skype-preview-introducing-screen-sharing-on-mobile/911e1753-16dc-4fb8-b0ca-c836547509b5') a feature on the iOS and Android beta versions of the company's app, allowing users to share their screens during a call (via The Verge ('https://www.theverge.com/2019/4/12/18307442/skype-mobile-screen-sharing-ios-android-feature-beta')). According to Microsoft, this will let users share a PowerPoint presentation with coworkers, browse dating apps with friends, or go online shopping with a family member.



To see the new addition, you must be part of the Skype Insider program for beta testers, which you can sign up for on the company's website ('https://www.skype.com/en/insider/'). To get to screen sharing, beta testers can tap on the ellipsis icon during a call and select "Share Screen." Skype didn't give any indication about a wider launch for the feature.

Earlier this month, Skype increased ('https://www.macrumors.com/2019/04/05/skype-doubles-group-call-limit-overtakes-facetime/') the number of users that can be on the same audio or video group call to 50 (previously the max was 25). This update put Skype ahead of Apple's FaceTime for the number of users that can take part in a group call, since FaceTime supports a maximum of 32 people.

Article Link: Skype Testing Feature on iOS and Android That Lets You Share Your Screen With a Friend ('https://www.macrumors.com/2019/04/12/skype-testing-share-screen/')

[doublepost=1555194914][/doublepost]Sharing iOS screen via conference call is not new. GoToMeeting been supporting it for about a year. I used it a few times and was very happy when the results.

Rating: 2 Votes
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Futurix
19 weeks ago

Too bad Apple hasn’t added this to FaceTime. That would be truly useful for those of us with family that are computer illiterate even on iOS. I’m definitely interested in trying out Skype again just for this feature.


Which is rather weird, because screen recording is an API that Apple added themselves.
[doublepost=1555358372][/doublepost]

if they extend it to the Mac and PC apps.

Skype had screen sharing on PC and Mac for at least a decade.
[doublepost=1555358453][/doublepost]

Scammers are going to love this.


It's an official Apple-provided API - and Apple made sure to make it as secure as possible (it is only screen sharing - not remote screen control; it is only user initiated; it is always indicated by red bar on top of the screen; etc).
Rating: 1 Votes
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jeboer
19 weeks ago

Anyone knows other iOS app except “Zoom”, what can offer screen sharing during video group call? Skype try’s to clean a mess made in last couple years.

Webex Meetings will let you share from all type of devices (including 3D content), record, etc from small to huge audiences including security features
Rating: 1 Votes
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RickDEGH
19 weeks ago
Skype has done a lot to stay relevant in an industry where old players have been replaced by new ones. I use Skype everyday - more than I did 10 years ago. Kudos!
Rating: 1 Votes
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Maris963
19 weeks ago
Anyone knows other iOS app except “Zoom”, what can offer screen sharing during video group call? Skype try’s to clean a mess made in last couple years.
Rating: 1 Votes
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