Check out what’s new for the still-updated Skype in this emoji-filled change log

Plenty of PDF features are on the way to Skype Insiders.

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What you need to know

Microsoft rolled out an update for Skype Insiders to wrap up January. The update includes several PDF features, makes it easier to share enhanced media such as GIFs, and adds options for customizing your video preview.

The update also comes with the usual spread of bug fixes and general improvements. Skype Insiders will receive the update gradually, so you may not see changes just yet. When you do receive the update, it will bring Skype Preview toversion 8.112.76.203.

Skype Insider Preview |Free at Microsoft

While not as popular as Zoom, WhatsApp, and Teams, Microsoft’s Skype is a powerful communication app that supports calls, video calls, and messaging. A recent update for Insiders adds PDF previews and a few other handy features.

Why does Microsoft update Skype?

Many of my articles about Skype updates or preview updates draw some giggles. I understand the humor in Microsoft keeping Skype up to date and working on new features. The companysystematically drove Skype into the groundfor over a decade, rebranded it and redesigned it at the drop of a hat, and ultimately left it for the most part in favor of Teams.

Microsoft Teams has over 320 million usersand is commonly used in education and in professional environments. I’d argue that Microsoft doesn’t care that Skype lost the general user space to Zoom and other communication apps. Education and enterprise are where the money is.

With Teams receiving so much love and attention, why does Microsoft work on new features for Skype? I suppose it could simply be to deliver the best experience for the hundreds of millions of people who still have Skype accounts, but I think there’s more to it than that. Microsoft can use Skype as a playground to work on design changes and features that it later rolls out to Teams.

I imagine that PDFs are more important in Microsoft Teams than in Skype. The recent Skype Insider update includes a ton of PDF-focused features. Microsoft can test these out on a large scale, receive user feedback, and then use that data to shape the future of Teams, all while not changing Teams before having loads of feedback.

The above is just my theory, of course, but Microsoft would be silly to not use information gathered from millions of live users to improve its new prized pony Microsoft Teams.

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Skype Insider Release Notes

Introducing PDF Thumbnail Previews in Skype! 📄✨

Skype’s latest update enriches your chat with the introduction of PDF thumbnail previews on all platforms. Now, you can get a glimpse of your document before you dive in!

Get ready for a smoother, more visual Skype experience where PDFs are no longer just an icon, but a clear, identifiable part of your conversation! 🌐💼

Supercharge Your Chats with Skype’s Enhanced Media Composer on Android! 🎨📲

Elevate your messaging game on Skype for Android with our latest update that introduces native rich content features in the message composer!

Get ready to make your chats more vibrant and fun with Skype’s Android update—where sharing your favorite moments is instant and intuitive! 🌈✨

Personalize Your Skype Calls with Adjustable Video Preview! 📲🎥

Customize your one-on-one Skype call screen like never before! Our latest update introduces flexible video preview controls for mobile users, ensuring your calls are just the way you like them.

Get ready for a tailored call experience on Skype, where you’re in control of how you’re viewed, call after call. 🔄✨

Stability improvements & Bug fixes:

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.