Microsoft is in the midst of distributing an update for Skype for Android, bundling a plethora of enhancements for low-to-mid-range smartphones running Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich through Android 5.1 Lollipop.
The latest version of Skype is lighter on both disk and RAM consumption, according to Microsoft, which should encourage the application to run a lot smoother on less capable low-tier smartphones – like the four-year-old Moto G.
Skype for Android has also been reworked to provide clearer audio and video when a handset is either under immense pressure (from a data processing standpoint), or struggling to establish a reliable cellular or Wi-Fi connection.
Microsoft isn’t the first firm to venture down this route, however. Facebook released Messenger Lite for Android in October, while competitor Twitter introduced a less data-heavy version of its mobile website back in September.
Related: Best Budget Smartphones
Google, on the other hand, went a step further with the release of Android 8.0 Oreo Go Edition – a stripped down build of Android 8.0 Oreo that doesn’t require anywhere near as much processing power, RAM or storage space.
Installing the latest version of Skype for Android couldn’t be easier. All you need to do is open up the Play Store, navigate into the dedicated Updates section, locate Skype, then tap the Update button. That’s really all there is to it.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
