Skype is one of the most popular services for communication, it offers video chat, voice calls and instant messaging. There are currently more than 250 million users, so Microsoft has been updating the Skype mobile apps to add more features and improve the way its users communicate, it is even compatible with smartwatches now. Recently, they introduced some short video clips called “mojis” featuring some scenes from famous movies or TV shows that can be used to spice up conversations and express some reactions the way their users want. They are currently categorized in Trending, Hollywood, BBC and Muppets, plus they include titles so users know what to expect before watching them and hitting the send button. Today, they are updating the app to include some filters for video messages and other improvements.
Since this is October, they have added some Halloween themed emoticons and some of the new video messaging filters include some spooky effects as well. Video messages can be used to express what can’t be said by written messages (even with their wide selection of emoticons) or still pictures and the new filters can be accessed with the dedicated icon on the lower left of the video message window. By tapping the filter wand, they can choose the filter from the floating circles to see it in action before hitting the record button. There are currently 11 options, some include floating elements like ghosts, hearts, balloons or teddy bears; others are effects like kaleidoscope or some that deform faces making them look rounder or wider and other filters make the image look pixelated, in negative or with altered colors.
Other improvements for conversations include the ability to send photos and files to an entire group by tapping on the corresponding icon in the group chat media bar, which makes the process a little quicker. Users can now invite their friends who currently aren’t using Skype to join the service right from the contacts tab. The update is now available from the Google Play Store, so if you don’t see these new features, you might want to check there to download the update manually.