Skype for Android v5.6 Update Brings Refreshed Look and More

Microsoft has updated its Skype app for Android for the second time in two weeks, bringing the app version from 5.5 to 5.6. The updated app comes with new features and a 'refreshed look'.

Skype for Android v5.6 now shows users a greater number of chats in the 'recent chats' section if they are engaged in multiple chats simultaneously. "Now a quick glance allows you to catch up on more conversations, and you can easily jump in to start chatting," adds the company blog post.

The VoIP and messaging app also makes it easy for users to view who is online at the moment from anywhere in the app, with the information visible on all screens. The online status of the users can now be seen along with the round avatars. The firm has also polished and unified the avatars to give the app "a simpler and more consistent look and feel."

In addition, with each chat, Skype has tweaked the colours of the chat bubbles so that the text pops out more, helping users read the messages clearly. Several bug fixes have also been included in the updated app, which is already available to download from Google Play.

Skype last week rolled out version 5.5 of its Android app, in which it brought the ability to easily log in back into the account once logged out. As a part of the update, Skype would 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.