Microsoft’s Skype Gets An Extensive Snapchat Inspired Makeover

It seems as though there’s a lot of copycattin’ going on in the world of messaging apps. In recent months, Facebook has been accused of “stealing” heavily when it comes to adding functionality original found in Snapchat into its own communications apps Instagram and Messenger. Now we can add Microsoft to that list thanks to the ground-up redesign of its Skype app.

Interestingly, this all-new Skype experience isn’t coming to Microsoft platforms first. Instead, Microsoft will first launch the new chat app on Android. The company’s mission is to make sure that “chatting is front and center”.

One of the first things that you will notice with this redesign is that the messaging interface has been broken into three main sections: Find, Chat and Capture. Find obviously allows you to quick search through your chat history, while Chat gives you the conversation view that you are familiar with. The third section, Capture, is where the first Snapchat comparisons come into play, giving you the ability to quick snap photos or video. Capture content can then be spruced up with sticker and text.

There’s also a new feature called Highlights, which seems like a watered own version of Snapchat Stories:

Highlights lets you create a highlight reel of your day with photos and videos, so you can share everyday moments. To post a Highlight, swipe to access your camera, take a photo or video, then post it to your Highlights or send it directly to your contacts or groups. Once you post a Highlight, your friends and family can react to it with emoticons or by jumping into a conversation. The new Skype is your canvas, and now you’re free to share in more expressive ways with your closest friends, family and groups.

As we mentioned earlier, the new Skype is rolling out first for Android starting today. The new design will then be rolled out in stages to users on Windows, macOS and iOS.