Microsoft has updated Skype to its latest version 5.5 to take advantage of iOS 8’s Share Extensions feature and deliver interactive notifications. That means users will have the ability to answer voice and video calls from the lock screen or reply to text messages right from the notification center, without having to unlock the screen.
From the lock screen, you can swipe left on a notification to see the various options. If its a call you need to take, just select the option from the lock screen and Skype will automatically open up. For Skype calls, you can choose to take a voice or video call. If you have a missed call, you can return the call, or, if you prefer, you can send a message to the caller.
Similarly, swiping down on a notification will display options for you to reply to a message or messages. Just select the required option to reply and you can start engaging with the application without having to unlock the phone. You can immediately start typing your reply or replies in the text box.
Skype for iOS 8 5.5 Update
Audio and Video Calls
From the lock screen and the notification center:
- For incoming voice calls – swipe left on the notification to answer or decline.
- For incoming video calls – swipe left on the notification to answer with voice or video.
- For missed voice and video calls – swipe left on the notification to call back or send a message.
From a banner notification:
- For incoming voice calls – pull down on the notification to answer or decline.
- For incoming video calls – pull down on the notification to answer with voice or video.
- For missed calls – pull down on the notification to call back or send a message.
Messages
From the lock screen and the notification center:
- For new messages – swipe left on the notification to reply.
- From the lock screen:
- For new messages – pull down on the notification to reply.
Issues with Interactive Notifications in Updated Skype
The latest feature improvement in Skype however works as described only if you don’t have the device passcode or finger print locked. If you do indeed have it locked, then you must unlock the device to respond to the message or take the call. So the first time you swipe to take the call brings up your unlock screen. After you unlock the screen, if you still hear the ring, you can take the call. But chances are, the caller has hung up by then.
Its nice to see Microsoft being proactive in updating its applications on the iOS platform and offering its customers the best user experience they can get through their products. Just a few days ago, the company announced that it is offering 15GB extra storage space for iPhone users upgrading to iOS 8 if they signed up for OneDrive. Similarly, the company has updated its OneNote app on iOS to allow users to clip from the web, save photos and send file attachments straight to OneNote without having to leave their current apps.
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