Despite the fact that most users have moved onto Microsoft Teams (opens in new tab), the software giant has released a new preview version of Skype (opens in new tab) which is now available to download for Skype Insiders.
Skype Insider build 8.82 includes a number of bug fixes and stability improvements as well as support for Google Play Store in-app billing to purchase credit, subscriptions and Skype numbers.
In addition to these performance improvements, the latest version of Microsoft's video conferencing software (opens in new tab) and VoIP service (opens in new tab) will also allow users to make free phone calls to Ukraine on all platforms. This means that those with friends and relatives in Ukraine will be able to call them without having to purchase credits though Skype users in Ukraine will also be able to make free calls to users in other countries.
In a forum post (opens in new tab), Microsoft explained that it has added a list of non-profit organizations to the Skype Home Page so that people around the world can donate to help support the Ukrainian people.
Translated Conversations and Support Ukraine emoticons
Microsoft didn't stop at free phone calls to/from Ukraine though as the company has also added support for more languages in Translated Conversations (opens in new tab) on all platforms. With this feature, Skye users will be able to translate their phone calls to and from the Ukrainian language so that they can more easily communicate with people in the country.
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At the same time, Microsoft has added “Support Ukraine” emoticons on all platforms and Skype users will now be able to use “Ukraine Heart”, “Ukraine Handshake” and “Ukraine Pray” in their chats.
In order to test out all of these new features and show your support for Ukraine, you'll need to be a Skype Insider first but you can become one by signing up here (opens in new tab).
Throughout Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Microsoft has been working behind the scenes to support the Ukrainian government by fending off cyberattacks (opens in new tab) and the company recently suspended all new sales (opens in new tab) of both its products and services in Russia.
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Via ONMSFT (opens in new tab)
