Microsoft is removing ads from its latest version of Skype, which will also include updates to AI image creation tools and automatic sign-in with OneAuth.
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In September last year, for example, Microsoft ended Teams Rooms support for connections to the Skype for Business server.
Skype’s Insider Release Notes for the latest Skype Insider build 8.125 were released earlier in the week, which outlined its plan to get rid of Skype ads: “We’re excited to announce that Skype is now ad-free!
“Our latest update removes all ads from Skype channels and the entire Skype platform, ensuring a smoother, decluttered and more enjoyable user experience.”
According to Skype, eliminating ads allows users to enjoy uninterrupted browsing and communications, making for a “cleaner” and more “user-friendly” app experience.
Improved AI Image Creation
Could Microsoft be moving to spin Skype into an AI image creation and collaboration tool?
Perhaps, being slightly cynical, it is pinning some AI technology onto the platform to cobble together some show of value for the heavy investments it has made in AI, as pressures have been mounting industry-wide for AI results to start showing.
Whatever the reasons, users will be able to enjoy easy access to an AI image creator from the chat window or top bar, with an intuitive interface, greater image expansion, improved navigation, better menu options, and consistent margins.
The release notes declared: “We’re excited to bring you a revamped AI image creation experience on Skype Desktop!
“Create stunning images right within your chat window with enhanced features and design tweaks.”
OneAuth Sign-Ins
OneAuth has now superseded the previous sign-in system, allowing users to automatically sign in to Skype if you are already signed into another Microsoft app, such as Teams.
This means you can save time not having to remember and type your password to gain access to you Skype account, which it says will boost the “overall experience”.
Again, Skype offered a few words of introduction to OneAuth sign-ins:
“We’re thrilled to introduce OneAuth integration in Skype for iOS, now joining Skype for Android, to make your sign-in process simpler and more seamless across all Microsoft apps.”
Stability improvements and bug fixes have also been made, such as enabling all users to send media when connected to 5G networks.
All these new features, including removal of ads from Skype, will be rolled out to testers on its ‘Insider Programme’ this week.
