Microsoft has introduced a Skype for Business preview app on Android and iOS, and it is for the first time that this app is available to non-desktop users.
Last year in November, Microsoft announced Skype for Business as a rebranding of its Lync office communications tool and was rolled out for PC users in April, 2015.
What’s new in Skype for Business for mobile devices?
Skype for Business preview app on Android and iOS will offer features that will display the user’s contacts, upcoming meetings and recent conversations all on their dashboard unlike the normal Skype app, which only displays the recent conversations of users.
The users will be able to search for contacts from the dashboard by last name, first name or phone numbers. For the iOS users, their phone contacts will be automatically included in the search.
The calling experience has also been enhanced with larger buttons for managing your calls, adding participants and muting. If users want to switch between text and video, it will be a lot easier than before, as users will now have the option to see both of them simultaneously on screen.
The app is not yet ready for public release so the company is currently recruiting businesses to test the preview program. IT managers can now sign up for the Skype for Business preview app on Android and iOS (four for Android and four for iOS) at a dedicated preview page, where they can nominate eight Android and iOS users to test the preview. If you are interested, you will have to apply before August 17th.
Users with Lync 2013 on their mobile devices will get the Skype for Business preview app on Android and iOS, as an update by the year end. Skype for Business mobile apps will work for anyone on Skype for Business Server 2015, Lync Server 2013 and Skype for Business Online.