As stated on the official changelog, improved authentication process with the option to switch to Microsoft Account is the first new feature listed.
As of version 1.12, Skype for Linux now enables host-less group calling. This means that the conversation can continue without any interruption if you are a part of a group call and the host leaves.
Additionally, the usual bug fixing and performance improvements are also part of the update. Hopefully, some of the bugs previously found in the Skype client are no longer be present.
A slow, steady effort
Making Skype available for Linux is a steady effort for Microsoft, who is in no hurry to release a final version of the client. The company launched the client back in July this year, slowly improving the functionality of the service. The constant flow of updates mainly focuses on bug fixes and performance improvements, making the client slightly better each time.
The 1.12 update is the latest in the line of recent updates that saw the client gradually gaining important features. Continuing the ongoing trend, it could be some time before Skype becomes a complete service on Linux.
In the meantime, Microsoft keeps asking users for feedback, a similar strategy the company uses for Windows 10. The company’s latest operating system was developed in part thanks to the testers of the early builds. Microsoft encourages Linux users to do the same so that the insightful feedback can translate into an improved Skype client.
Improving Skype for Linux is also a part of a current process of synchronizing Skype across all platforms. Microsoft is reportedly working on plans to unify the Skype experience, turning it into one complete service.
Currently, Microsoft has an excessive number of different Skype desktop and mobile apps that offer uneven experiences. Creating one cross-platform client that covers Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android would solve this problem.
