If you are an Insider using Microsoft’s Skype, you are in for a treat. The company has sent out a new update to the Windows Insider Program that adds a new ability for members. Specifically, Insiders can now sign up to test Skype Preview.
Skype Preview is the latest version of the communication service that Microsoft is working on. Windows Insiders can now test the new features. Whether this means the app is close to launch or not remains to be seen. However, we guess that launch is still some way off as testing is only now opening.
We reported earlier this month that Microsoft is working on changing the underpinnings of Skype. The company is switching from its own Universal Windows Platform (UWP) to Facebook’s React Native.
While some pushed an angle of Microsoft ditching UWP, it is clear the company has been working with React Native for some time. It is also worth noting that Facebook’s framework works with UWP. Either way, the framework will allow Skype to function more uniformly across platforms and form factors.
Updated Skype
Insiders will now get to test the updated version of Skype Preview. It is unclear whether Microsoft is adding an overhaul in terms of features or just simply changing the framework.
It is worth remembering the company updated Skype across the board a year ago. That was the most comprehensive upgrade to the service in over a decade and brought sweeping UI changes and new features.
Windows Insider Program members can test the new Skype experience now by updating to version 12.1815.209.0 on the inside. As mentioned, using Facebook React across the board means Skype should look the same across all services in the future.
