You can download the latest version of Skype for iOS through the Apple App Store and Skype for Android through the Google Play Store. You can also download Skype directly on your device by using the following links


Skype's director of design, Peter Skillman says that we can expect more updates to Skype over the next several months as the app focuses on calling, chat, and contacts. He also states the Skype team is "passionate about bringing you closer to the people in your life."


We expect that Microsoft will also extend these changes to the desktop version of Skype in an upcoming build.

The new web client, at web.skype.com, loads your latest conversations, so you'll see any messages you've recently sent or received, whether it was from mobile, tablet, or desktop. The web client also introduces a new timeline view, a searchable list that combines contacts and recent conversations to make it easy not only to find old conversations but start new ones.

You will be able to make and receive Skype video or audio calls, but you'll need to install a plugin to your browser (IE, Chrome, Safari, and/or Firefox). You'll also be able to, with an opt-in, get notifications, "even if you’re using another app or viewing a different website in another browser window".

While customers in the US and UK can check out the new Skype for Web client, the service will be rolling out worldwide "in the next few weeks".


source - Microsoft

You can download the update directly on your device through the Apple App Store or by using the following links:


Skype for iPhone was also recently updated to include Apple Watch support, allowing you to respond to a Skype chat with your Apple Watch by using your voice to create a message without having to grab your iPhone. You can also select a response from a list of responses.

With the Apple Watch, you can start a Skype conversation with one of your favorite contacts directly from your wrist. To favorite a contact, go to the iPhone app, swipe to the favorites view and tap add favorites at the bottom of your favorite list. You can then start a conversation from your timepiece. And the latest update to the Skype for iPhone app allows you to mark all conversations read by using Force Touch on the Apple Watch.

When some one is calling you via Skype, your Apple Watch will give you the option to accept or decline the call. If you decide to answer, the call is routed through your iPhone.

Skype for iPhone version 5.12.2 has the following new features and improvements:

• Reply to messages on your Apple Watch using voice to text, emoticons or quick prepared responses.
• Start chats with your favourite contacts on your Apple Watch so you can do more on the go
• General Improvements

It was just last month that Skype for Android was updated to version 5.2 with a few new features that expanded the functionalities of the popular cross-platform messaging service. Fortunately the new update aims to rectify this.

You can download the update directly on your device through the Google Play Store or by using the following links:


Apart from the cosmetic and chat-centric novelties, Skype for Android also features the following bug fixes and performance improvements:

• Catching up on an active conversation is now easier; chat will no longer auto-scroll to the latest as new messages come in.
• Now you can change and view avatars for all of your group chats; just use the “Participants” option in a group chat to get started.

After signing out, you will now need to re-enter username and password to sign in again. This will make it easier on those of you who use multiple accounts.

Skype Qik for Android updated (1.5) with new video effects



You can download the update directly on your device through the Google Play Store or by using the following link

Skype for Android has been updated to version 5.2, which now allows Android users to share photos with both online and offline contacts. Previously, both you and the person you were sharing your photos with had to be online at the same time in order for the images to be received.

If the recipient of your pictures is offline when you send them, once he goes online the content will be there waiting for him.

The update allows Skype chats to be opened faster from a notification, and brings picture-in-picture capabilities to the Android app. This way you can navigate somewhere during a video chat, and keep the video call active. Lastly, the update also bring improvements to the call quality on Skype, especially in situations where low bandwidth is involved.

You can download the update directly on your Android device through the Google Play Store or by using the following link:

Download
Price	Free
Requirements	Varies with device

Skype for Android version 5.2 has the following new features and improvements:

• Improved photo sharing
• Picture in picture view is now supported on phones, too – letting you keep a video call going even when you navigate away to other applications
• Chats load faster, especially when opened from a notification
• Call quality improvements, especially in low bandwidth scenarios

source - Microsoft (Skype Blog)

Microsoft has released Skype for iOS version 5.10, which brings Skype URI support back to iPhones, along with new improvements to the dialer and chat notification. Skype is a cross platform application owned by Microsoft which offers messaging, voice and video calls between Skype users.

The reintroduction of Universal Resource Identifier (URI) support will allows users to launch Skype from anywhere within iOS, when tapping a relevant Skype name or number. This feature will also enable developers to easily use Skype’s messaging and calling infrastructure to start calls and chats straight from their mobile app or mobile website, rather than building their own.

The update also brings improvements to the dialer, allowing users to save phone numbers entered into the dial pad and also phone numbers in your recent calls list. When you save the phone numbers, you can easily create new contacts so you don't have to search for the number next time you call. Skype team has also made improvements in chat notification reliability.

You can download the update directly on your iOS device through the Apple App Store or by using the following link:

Download
Price	Free
Requirements	iOS 7.0 or greater

Skype for iOS version 5.10 has the following new features and improvements:

• Added Universal Resource Identifier (URI) support.
• Improved chat notification reliability.
• Now save phone numbers entered into the dial pad and numbers in the recent calls list.
• General Improvements.

Microsoft is comprehensive in their efforts with Windows 10, ensuring that the end user will get a totally new, yet family experience across PCs, Laptops, Tablets and Phones. Skype is playing a big part in this effort, as the messaging service is making the transition from standalone app to part of the Core OS itself.

Skype will come built into your communications suite across all Windows 10 devices, and you wont have to download the app seperately. The built-in Skype experience will sync its contact book with that of your phone and your email, which will let you stay connect to friends using Skype not just on Windows devices, but also on iOS, Mac, Android and more.



You will be able to send free messages over the internet either from the taskbar or from your phone using the Skype Message and all your conversations will be synced across all devices. Additionally you can instantly initiate video or voice calls from the desktop or phone when in the conversation.



If you have a phone running Windows 10, you will have the option of sending SMS messages using Skype Credit, and respond to incoming messages through actionable notifications. While in the messaging app, Skype chats will be differentiated from SMS with the classic Skype blue and users can quickly switch between SMS and Skype messaging as needed.


Skype for Windows 10 is definitely shaping up to be something exciting and we can't wait to try it out in future builds of Windows 10 on the Windows Insider Program.



source - Skype Blog

According to a Skype blog post about the new beta, there are currently some battery-consumption issues with Skype for Web on a Mac, along with a delayed ring for outgoing calls. These are to be expected with beta releases, and should hopefully be resolved as the service matures.

source - Skype

The update also adds support for HD displays, which means you will notice much higher quality on your video chats as long as you have a strong data (or WiFi) connection. Additionally Windows Phone users will also gain access to some exclusive Skype features including a speed-boost in app resuming and the ability to automatically sign into the Microsoft account on your device. You can still choose to switch back to your Skype account if you want to keep them seperate.


source - Skype

source - Skype

Qik is developed with the sole function of video messaging in mind and promises to allow faster and easier video capture and communication. Skype users should find the user interface familiar, though it has its own unique twist to it. Additionally, just like Viber and WhatsApp it syncs your device using its phone number, a feature still not available on Skype.

Qik also offers group-chats, much like the ones in Skype – nobody is an admin and anyone can add extra contacts. A single video message will be received by everybody in the group when they come online – it will wait for them much like an unread line of text.

If you often find yourself busy and unable to record a reply to whatever is going on in the chat – Qik also offers you the option to create a library of pre-recorded .gifs of up to 5 seconds, to use either as smileys or quick replies.

source - Skype

Skype for Windows version 3.1 has the following new features and improvements:

• Having second thoughts? Edit or delete messages you just sent.
• Get notifications and improved accessibility for video messages.

In addition, the update also makes app's video message notifications more reliable and improves accessibility.

Those looking for Skype for Windows Desktop can download it from here.