Skype Goes Ad-Free: Microsoft Prioritizes User Experience in Major Update

Microsoft removes ads from Skype, enhances AI features, and adds OneAuth support for iOS in a move towards improving user experience.

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August 1, 2024

Skype Goes Ad-Free: Microsoft Prioritizes User Experience in Major Update

Key Takeaways

  • Microsoft is removing all ads from Skype, aiming for a cleaner user experience.
  • The update includes improved AI image creation features and OneAuth integration for iOS.
  • This ad-free move contrasts with Microsoft’s recent trend of increasing ads in other products.
  • The change may signal a shift towards more user-centric design in Microsoft’s software strategy.

Topic Summary

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Microsoft has announced the removal of all advertisements from Skype in a new update, aimed at improving the user experience across all platforms. This change will affect the “today” section and conversation views, creating a cleaner and more enjoyable interface for users.

The update, detailed in Skype Insider build 8.125 release notes posted by product manager Irene Namuganyi, also includes enhancements to AI image creation features. Users can now access these features more easily from the chat window or top bar, with an improved user interface and other refinements.

Additionally, the iOS version of Skype will now support OneAuth integration, a feature already available on the Android app. This update signifies a shift towards a more user-centric design approach for the communication platform.

While Skype’s popularity has declined from its peak, it remains a widely used tool for international calls and still maintains a significant user base. This ad-free update could help revitalize the platform and improve user satisfaction.

The decision to remove ads from Skype is particularly noteworthy given Microsoft’s recent tendency to incorporate more advertisements and promotional content across its products, including Windows and web services. It remains to be seen whether this change in Skype signals a broader shift in Microsoft’s approach to user experience and advertising across its software offerings.

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