Skype for Xbox One Updated With Snap Calling, Improved Start-Up Time

Microsoft has started rolling out an update to its Snap feature on the Xbox One console, based on user feedback. Users will now have the option to Skype Snap call.

"In the last few months, we've been hard at work to make the updates to Skype for Xbox One you've been asking for. We've heard your feedback, and today, we're happy to share that Skype for Xbox One now offers a new Snap calling experience," stated the official Skype blog post on Tuesday by Karen Tong.

To recall, the Snap feature lets users play simultaneously with two applications on Xbox One. For instance, a user can watch TV while browsing the Internet at the same time on the same screen.

The Xbox One gamers could before the update only Snap other apps into Skype, but now, can do the opposite as well - that is, Snap Skype video or voice call into other apps. As a part of the Skype update, the users can now hang up a call, add a friend or turn off the camera from a video call without moving away from the activity they are performing. The Skype start-up time has been also improved as a part of the minor bug fix.

The blog also takes an opportunity to inform its users that starting June, users can utilize Skype and some other applications on Xbox One without the need of their Xbox Live Gold membership.

Last month Microsoft made the group video calling feature free for users on Windows, Mac, and Xbox One. The feature was previously available only to Skype Premium subscribers.

"Skype is proud that, since our beginning, we've created opportunities for people to communicate freely and easily, no matter where they are," Phillip Snalune, GM Consumer Marketing, Skype Microsoft wrote in the blog post.