Skype for iOS Update Brings Apple Maps and Calendar Integrations, More

Microsoft has updated Skype's iOS client to version 6.6 to add multitasking features and make it easier for users to quickly initiate a call, check locations, and set up calendar events. Skype for iOS now interacts with Apple Maps and Calendar apps.

The instant messaging and VoIP client can now detect a phone number in chat windows, the company says. Tapping on a phone number will prompt you to make a call using Skype. The app can now also auto-detect and highlight addresses in chat. Tapping on the address, the company says, will open Apple Maps to show the location of the place where you or your friends might be heading. It appears one cannot change it to Google Maps from the settings.

Similarly, Calendar app opens when you tap on a linked date or time, and prompts you to quickly create a calendar event. The two apps work in conjunction, and calendar entry automatically populates information from the chat. You will also find a link in the chat to go back to the event notes.

In addition, Skype is also gaining multitasking features. Users can now go back to an active Skype audio or video call from their instant messages or contact list by tapping on the active call banner, the company said. The company is also adding an unread message counter at the top of different chat threads to note what you've missed.

Microsoft is aggressively updating its Skype client across multiple platforms. The new update is one of the many the company has sent over the past few weeks. The company recently added video filters to the iOS client. The Android client recently got the ability to save video messages and mute notifications.