Microsoft Removes Ads from Skype, Enhances AI Features

Microsoft is set to make Skype ad-free in an upcoming update, enhancing user experience by removing ads from chats and channels. Alongside this, the update introduces improved AI image creation tools and seamless sign-in features, promising a smoother and more enjoyable communication platform.

Ad-Free Skype Experience

In response to user feedback, Microsoft has decided to remove all ads from Skype, providing a cleaner and more user-friendly experience. The ads will no longer appear in the main chat interface or channels section, allowing users to focus solely on their conversations without distractions.

“Our latest update removes all ads from Skype channels and the entire Skype platform, ensuring a smoother, decluttered, and more enjoyable user experience,” says Irene Namuganyi, Skype Product Manager. This move aims to address long-standing complaints about the presence of ads, making Skype a more appealing option for personal and professional communication.

Enhanced AI Image Creation Tools

The update also brings significant improvements to the AI image creation tools on Skype for Windows and macOS. Users will soon be able to quickly access the AI image creator within chat windows, making it easier to generate and share AI-generated images. The images will expand on click, providing a more interactive and visually appealing experience. Microsoft has also refined the user interface, ensuring the image creator integrates seamlessly with Apple's macOS design aesthetics.

Seamless Sign-In with OneAuth Integration

For iOS users, the update introduces OneAuth integration, allowing automatic sign-in to Skype if you are already logged into another Microsoft app. This feature simplifies the login process and enhances the overall user experience by reducing the need to repeatedly enter credentials.

Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements

The update also addresses several bugs and performance issues. Notably, a bug that prevented the sending of photos or videos over 5G has been fixed, ensuring smooth multimedia sharing. Microsoft has also made various UI enhancements to improve the overall look and feel of the app.

Retaining the Today Section

While ads are being removed, the Today section, complete with the MSN-powered news feed, will remain. This section can be disabled in Settings > Appearance if users prefer a completely ad-free environment.

A Step Towards a Cleaner User Experience

The removal of ads from Skype is a significant step towards enhancing user satisfaction and usability. Microsoft’s decision reflects a commitment to listening to user feedback and prioritizing a distraction-free communication platform.

However, it remains to be seen if Microsoft will extend this ad-free approach to other products, such as Windows, where users have expressed frustration over malware-like Bing prompts and ads in the Start menu.