A new Skype update has begun rolling out for the application’s Android, Windows, Mac and iOS platforms, and brings with it a new feature called Mojis. The gif-like tools allow users to send a short video clip from a selection of various movies and TV shows during an instant messaging chat.
Skype has joined hands with several corporations around the world such as the BBC, Universal Studios and Disney Muppets to add to its Mojis collection. To access it, people have to tap on the emoji button in the chat window. The emoticons are sorted according to the movie or expression and can be previewed before getting sent.
In a convenient bit of cross-promotion, after a person has seen the Mojis, they will get a link to download or purchase the movie or episode from the Windows Store. Data such as the source and copyright information will also be displayed next to the gif. The first release includes films like The Muppets, Pitch Perfect, Despicable Me, Jurassic Park and Bridesmaids.
Also See: Skype for India app will work even on low speed networks
Skype has released version 6.2 of the app for its Android users. The upgrade now supports location sharing, through which users can send a map of their current position in a chat. There’s also a new media bar instead of a ‘+’ sign to conveniently send images and other files right from the toolbar.
The application further lets Samsung, Sony, HTC and Xiaomi handsets display the number of unread messages a person has without having to open the tool. Users can now see the information on the upper-right corner of the Skype icon in the launcher window. People will have to allow a new set of permissions to access the features.
Skype version 6.2 for Android is live now and can be downloaded from the Google Play Store. The Mojis feature will be rolled out to the Windows, Mac and iOS platforms gradually.