Microsoft during the weekend revealed an updated version of Skype that is optimized for older Android devices. The update, which Microsoft says will begin rolling out in the next few days, is aimed at devices running efficiently on devices with Android versions 4.0.3 through 5.1.
According to Microsoft, the update is designed to be lighter on both disk and memory consumption, allowing for greater speed and better audio and video quality on lower-end Android devices. Users can also expect better performance in areas where network connectivity is not at best.
Skype in the midst of stiff competition from other popular video calling apps including; Google Duo, WhatsApp Video Calls, FaceTime, Facebook Messenger Video Calls, still holds a special place.
First launched in August 2003 by Swede Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis, the platform changed hands a couple of times. eBay bought it for $2.6 billion in September 2005, before selling a 65 percent stake to Silver Lake, Andreessen Horowitz, and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board in September 2009 for $1.9 billion.
The platform was eventually acquired by Microsoft in May 2011 for $8.5 billion.
Since then, the company has become virtually synonymous with video calling in many markets.
Skype besides providing video chat and voice calls between computers, tablets, mobile devices, the Xbox One console, and smartwatches via the Internet, it additionally provides instant messaging services.
Users may transmit both text and video messages and may exchange digital documents such as images, text, and video. Skype also allows video conference calls.
Skype implements a freemium business model. Much of the service is free, but Skype Credit or a subscription is required to call a landline or a mobile phone number.
