Microsoft announces Skype version 8.0 with HD video, screen-sharing in calls and call recording

Microsoft, on Monday, announced that it is rolling out the new version 8.0 of Skype for desktop, replacing it’s previously active “Skype Classic 7.0”, from September 1, across all operating systems – Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Skype version 8.0 sports features like free HD video and screen sharing (group) calls with a capacity of up to 24 people at once, reaction options for messages in conversations and @mentions in order to get attention in a group chat.

Microsoft says that everything about this new version, from the underlying performance improvements to the usability enhancements, is designed to keep users connected to the people who matter most. “We built Skype version 8.0 based on feedback from our community—adding exciting new features while ensuring it’s simple to use with the same familiar interface of Skype version 7.0.” read the announcement.

Here’s the full list of new features coming:

• Free HD video and screen sharing calls—Get together with 1 or 24 of your friends, families, or colleagues no matter what device they use Skype on. See everyone in high definition, view 1080px video, and share things together.
• More productive messaging—Express how you’re feeling by reacting to messages in conversations. Use @mentions to easily grab someone’s attention in a group chat. Simply type the @ symbol followed by their name to trigger a notification for them. You can easily find all your @mentions and get back to people in the notification center.
• Chat media gallery—Looking for the link or photo sent a few weeks ago? Chat media gallery makes it easy to find files, links, and photos that were shared in a conversation, whether it was yesterday or last month. No more scrolling through your chat history—just click Gallery under the chat name to see all the files, links, and photos in the conversation.
• Share photos, videos, and other files—Share up to 300 MB at a time over Skype just by dragging and dropping files into your conversation window.

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The Tech giant equally announced that it plans to roll out additional features later this year, which would include read receipts, end-to-end encrypted Skype audio calls and text messages (using the Signal Protocol) with hidden notifications, cloud-based video call recordings with notification for everyone present during the call, profile invites, and group links.

To upgrade, users will have to visit Help > Check for Updates. Alternatively, they can visit the Skype download page.