Skype is introducing a new update, Build 8.99, for users in the Skype Insider program. The updated version offers several new features, including integration with Microsoft Weather, improved Bing integration, and revamped call tabs.
One notable addition in Skype 8.99 is the ability to check the weather forecast directly within the application. Users can click on the weather icon next to their profile to view a detailed forecast from Microsoft Weather, which is known for its accuracy.
To enhance the calling experience, Skype has introduced separate tabs for Skype-to-Skype and Skype-to-Phone calls. The Skype-to-Skype tab provides buttons to initiate video or audio calls, while the Skype-to-Phone tab displays information about the user’s subscription and balance.
The Contacts tab has been updated to prioritize Skype contacts, making it easier for users to find and chat with specific individuals.
Incorporating Microsoft’s AI, Bing, Skype now offers interactive chat prompts that suggest fun conversation topics. These prompts change each time the application is launched and can include activities like inventing a new gadget or sharing a joke.
Furthermore, Skype’s integration with Bing introduces a toolbox featuring various tools and methods for interaction, covering education, social media, travel, creativity, entertainment, language, sports, and technology. This feature is accessible through the Bing 1:1 chat in Skype.
Additional updates in Skype 8.99 Preview include faster access to Bing Chat, a redesigned landing page illustration, automatic playback of consecutive audio messages, and a fix for the search bar obstructing the top chat on iPad.
Users enrolled in the Skype Insider program can download the update, while these updates will be gradually rolled out to all users in the upcoming months. To receive these updates, users can download Skype Insider from the official website.
