After announcing today’s 100 million Android-download milestone, Skype celebrated the occasion with a totally overhauled, refreshed Android app that’s supposed to “make your interactions easier and put conversations first”. And with a cleaner, lighter and lightening fast UI, it may just live up to its promise.
What Does It Do?
It’s Skype but stripped of all the extra crap that seemed to choke the old incarnations. You’ll get three separate tabs, the first of which shows you all recent conversations, followed by your contacts, followed by your favourites. Small circles similar to Facebook’s attempt at the now notorious chatheads carry your contacts profile pictures. You’ll also be able to attach files and video messages, one of Skype’s newer native app features.
Why Do We Like It?
While there aren’t any major new additions are far as strict function goes, the app does feel like an entirely different breed. It’s given in to the Flat design you see practically everywhere these days, but more importantly, its simplified the buttons and divided its screens into digestible, bright tabs that make the app far more pleasant to use. The lack of clutter should also speed things up quite a bit as well as keep it running more smoothly. Plus, intuitive gestures (such as swipe to start a conversation) are a long overdue addition.
Skype 4.0
Download this app for: Android (free)
The best part: far more pleasant on the eye and easier to use
The worst part: no major new features