Skype is one of the oldest chat and telephone programs, certainly the most used in history, which first introduced VOIP calls (ie via the internet, making them available to everyone, at low prices. After many years, Skype, today firmly in the hands of Microsoft, it is still a very popular application and program, which is regularly updated with new, increasingly modern versions.
Starting today Microsoft allows you to download the latest updated version of Skype ( version 8 ) for PC Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10, which replaces version 7.0 of Skype (also known as Skype classic). The update is important and mandatory for everyone, not only because it includes several changes and new features, but also because starting from September 1st 2018 all the old versions, including the 7, will no longer be usable.
It should also be noted that in addition to the standard version of the Skype program, Microsoft has also released a new version of the Skype app for Windows 10, which is very similar to the program, although more integrated into the system.
READ ALSO: Skype online for chat, phone calls and video calls from the website
Skype 8 can be downloaded for free for Windows PC from the Skype site . The installation has no option, while a Microsoft account is required for access (also including Hotmail, Live.com and Outlook.com accounts). The initial configuration phase allows you to optimize the audio quality of the microphone and the webcam to be used for video calls, while the main interface shows, at the first access, the most relevant new features.
From the new interface it becomes easy to find all the Skype functions, with the chat button, the one to make free calls to other Skype users or even to fixed numbers using Skype credit (here are the rates), the one to open the address book and to see the notifications.
Any telephone credit will obviously be maintained and top-ups or telephone subscriptions can be managed from the new personal page at //secure.skype.com/portal/overview.
Among the most important news (some will be added in the coming months), all free without limitations, there are:
- HD video calls (1080px video) with other Skype users, from 1 to 24 together, whatever device they use (app on smartphone, tablet or PC).
- Screen sharing
- Chat and Messenger evolved, with emojis, with group chat and the possibility of tagging someone (with the @mentions) to draw their attention.
- Multimedia gallery for chats, to quickly find photos shared by friends without going to the chat history.
- Free and free file sharing, to send photos, videos or any other files via chat, with a maximum size of 300 MB.
- Private conversations, to make end-to-end encrypted Skype audio calls and send text messages or files, such as images, audio or video, using the security protocol.
Messages and notifications in these private conversations will be hidden in the chat list to keep shared information private.
- Fully cloud-based call recording (other call users are notified that the call is being recorded).
- Sharing your profile by clicking on your image in the top left corner, to be able to invite friends to communicate with us, even if they do not yet have Skype.
- Notification for messages sent when they are read
- Ability to create a link for group conversations so you can easily invite new participants.
- Very simplified menu of settings and preferences, with switches to activate or deactivate the various options which are: Yes or No notifications, leave Skype always on Yes or No, Sounds Yes or No, Large emoticons Yes or No.
Another important improvement is the performance optimization which, in this case, is not a factor to be overlooked.
Skype has always been a heavy and slow program, especially on older PCs. Now, however, has taken the graphics of Microsoft programs and is certainly more fluid and lighter.
The tricks for Skype chat exposed in another post remain valid.
As for the app for Windows 10, this is already installed on the PC because it is included in the installation of Windows 10. To check, you can open the download page from the Microsoft store . The Skype app can be used in place of the main program or even with both installed. The app is practically identical to the desktop program, always version 8, with an additional option that allows you to try a preview of the functions not yet released in the stable version. The Preview option is found by pressing the top button with three dots, opening the settings and then activating it in the Help and feedback section. You can return to the normal version at any time, without any side effects.
In another article, the Skype guide with the best applications and plugins to add
Starting today Microsoft allows you to download the latest updated version of Skype ( version 8 ) for PC Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10, which replaces version 7.0 of Skype (also known as Skype classic). The update is important and mandatory for everyone, not only because it includes several changes and new features, but also because starting from September 1st 2018 all the old versions, including the 7, will no longer be usable.
It should also be noted that in addition to the standard version of the Skype program, Microsoft has also released a new version of the Skype app for Windows 10, which is very similar to the program, although more integrated into the system.
READ ALSO: Skype online for chat, phone calls and video calls from the website
Skype 8 can be downloaded for free for Windows PC from the Skype site . The installation has no option, while a Microsoft account is required for access (also including Hotmail, Live.com and Outlook.com accounts). The initial configuration phase allows you to optimize the audio quality of the microphone and the webcam to be used for video calls, while the main interface shows, at the first access, the most relevant new features.
From the new interface it becomes easy to find all the Skype functions, with the chat button, the one to make free calls to other Skype users or even to fixed numbers using Skype credit (here are the rates), the one to open the address book and to see the notifications.
Any telephone credit will obviously be maintained and top-ups or telephone subscriptions can be managed from the new personal page at //secure.skype.com/portal/overview.
Among the most important news (some will be added in the coming months), all free without limitations, there are:
- HD video calls (1080px video) with other Skype users, from 1 to 24 together, whatever device they use (app on smartphone, tablet or PC).
- Screen sharing
- Chat and Messenger evolved, with emojis, with group chat and the possibility of tagging someone (with the @mentions) to draw their attention.
- Multimedia gallery for chats, to quickly find photos shared by friends without going to the chat history.
- Free and free file sharing, to send photos, videos or any other files via chat, with a maximum size of 300 MB.
- Private conversations, to make end-to-end encrypted Skype audio calls and send text messages or files, such as images, audio or video, using the security protocol.
Messages and notifications in these private conversations will be hidden in the chat list to keep shared information private.
- Fully cloud-based call recording (other call users are notified that the call is being recorded).
- Sharing your profile by clicking on your image in the top left corner, to be able to invite friends to communicate with us, even if they do not yet have Skype.
- Notification for messages sent when they are read
- Ability to create a link for group conversations so you can easily invite new participants.
- Very simplified menu of settings and preferences, with switches to activate or deactivate the various options which are: Yes or No notifications, leave Skype always on Yes or No, Sounds Yes or No, Large emoticons Yes or No.
Another important improvement is the performance optimization which, in this case, is not a factor to be overlooked.
Skype has always been a heavy and slow program, especially on older PCs. Now, however, has taken the graphics of Microsoft programs and is certainly more fluid and lighter.
The tricks for Skype chat exposed in another post remain valid.
As for the app for Windows 10, this is already installed on the PC because it is included in the installation of Windows 10. To check, you can open the download page from the Microsoft store . The Skype app can be used in place of the main program or even with both installed. The app is practically identical to the desktop program, always version 8, with an additional option that allows you to try a preview of the functions not yet released in the stable version. The Preview option is found by pressing the top button with three dots, opening the settings and then activating it in the Help and feedback section. You can return to the normal version at any time, without any side effects.
In another article, the Skype guide with the best applications and plugins to add
