Microsoft Updates Skype to Take on Snapchat – Adds Highlight Reels

Microsoft has totally re-envisioned its Skype messaging application and, in the process, made it more like Snapchat and Facebook Messenger.

To start, Skype offers more personalization. For example, users can tweak colors and more easily add animated emoji and reaction icons to conversations.

The app now supports what Microsoft calls a Highlight Reel, which is a Snapchat Stories-like compilation of videos and photos. Microsoft says people can create Highlights by accessing the in-app camera, or by pulling in content from their phone’s photo gallery. People can then react to Highlights or use them as a starting point for a new conversation thread.

Bots are headed to Skype, too, via the new Find tab that’s built into the app. Users can take advantage of the bot-enabled search tool to find concert tickets, see what’s trending across social networks, and more. Microsoft expects third-party developers (businesses and brands) to create their own add-ins and bots for Skype over time. Skype still supports one-on-one and group conversations, video calls, audio calls, and other legacy features.

Microsoft says the new Skype will reach Android devices over the next few weeks with the iPhone to follow in a month or so, and Mac and Windows desktops to follow later this year.