Skype is one of the most useful communications tools available on the Internet, and it’s about to get even easier to use. According to a report from Tech Crunch, Microsoft recently announced that they would add a new feature to Skype that will allow users to invite anyone to connect over the service, even if that person hasn’t created their own account.
Now, instead of going through the process of setting up a username and a password, people who are invited to connect via Skype need to simply click a link. Skype will generate unique links that bring an invitee to a private chat, and can be opened from email, Facebook Messenger, Twitter, or WhatsApp.
Users who already have a Skype account will be able to generate the links, and share it with anybody they would like to join the conversation. The links will also work on Skype’s mobile iOS and Android apps.
Guests looking to enter a conversation without signing up for the service will simply enter their name and click “Join.” The feature is currently available to Skype users in the United States and the United Kingdom, but will rollout to users throughout the world over the next few weeks. You can check to see if it has been made available in your country simply by launching the latest version of Skype for Windows, Mac or Web, and opening a new chat. There will be an option to generate the unique link if the feature has been made available.
Skype obviously hopes to gain more users by making this feature available, but it could have profound implications for online communications. There are currently a number of online services that allow you to speak with another person, but Skype has been preferred by people around the globe for years. By allowing users to open up the application and see the interface without actually going through the process of signing up first, Microsoft hopes that they will convince new people to make accounts in the long run.
Microsoft has been working on making Skype its primary messaging service for quite some time now. It recently unveiled the new Skype for Business iOS app, replacing the old, clunky Lync 2013 application. The app will offer messaging and video calling services, and will offer greater efficiency in connecting with people around the world. As easy as picking up the phone to dial your neighbor, you can connect with people in multiple continents at once using Skype.
Skype keeps track of all your contacts, calendar items, and recent conversations. It can be opened on multiple devices, and is a great way to organize upcoming meetings, events, and keep communications with important parties ongoing.
Even if you decide not to download the new Skype for Business app, you may find yourself hopping on a Skype call as a guest sometime in the near future. As the company expands access to its revolutionary messaging service, it is clear that Skype is going to stick around for quite a while.