Skype for Android 5.5 Update Brings Easy Login and URL Preview

Skype has rolled out new features for its Android app as a part with version 5.5. The features introduced in the update are designed to make it easier for users to log in back once logged out, apart from being able to view more information without opening the links shared inside a chat.

The new Skype app for Android would now remember the user's login details, including the password, so they don't need to feed in the credentials again after they have logged out. The app would instead show a single arrow, tapping on which would directly navigate the user to their chat list. However, those users who feel insecure with Skype saving their ID and password can switch back to the old process by going in to the Menu > Settings > Privacy, says the company blog post.

The second feature announced was Web link or URL previews within chats. The feature first rolled out for iOS and Mac OS devices last month and in April respectively. Skype has said the feature is not yet available for Android, but will be reaching within next few weeks. The URL preview feature, as the name suggests, would automatically show a "rich visual preview" of the webpages content when posted in a chat. Previously, users would have to open the link to view the content inside it. The updated Skype for Android app is available to download from Google Play.

Skype last month updated its iPhone app, adding some new features for the Apple Watch. The update let users reply to chats via the Apple Watch. Users can utilise voice for text inputs, or, can use prepared responses and a range of emoticons.