Microsoft has released updates for their new Skype v8 app for desktop devices including Windows and Mac systems. The company says it has made the new changes to improve the app’s accessibility features. Here’s the full list:
- Focus assist, which announces when you receive an incoming call for keyboard only and screen reader users.
- Screen reader announcements from users in the active call list.
- Navigational focus announcements within the contact list and settings to improve flow.
- Announcing the name, content, and actions of a pop up dialog.
- New message announcements when users are in another chat.
- Smoother navigation that takes a more natural left-to-right and top-to-bottom path.
- Displaying additional information when sending and receiving messages. For example, Skype now announces when messages are sent and when messages you attempt to send have failed.
Microsoft has also created an accessibility guide to help people move from the classic Skype over to the new version. The company officially ends support for the classic app and legacy mobile versions will be discontinued shortly after.