Skype gains 3x3 grid view and reaction customization in latest update

Source: iMore

What you need to know

• Skype now supports a 3x3 grid that lets you see nine people on a video call at once.
• The same update also adds the ability to create moderated groups.
• The update is available on Windows, Mac, Linux, and the web.

A recent update to Skype adds the ability to customize reactions and the options to see nine participants on a video call at once. The update brings Skype to version 8.60.0.76 and began rolling out on May 18, 2020. The update rolled out gradually, and a Skype support page states that it should have released gradually over last week. The update also brings some other handy features, such as creating moderated groups and global hotkeys that work when Skype is minimized.

Get an iPhone SE with Mint Mobile service for $30/mo

Here's the complete changelog from the Skype support site:

All the best reactions: Sometimes you need the perfect reaction at your fingertips, and now you can customize which ones appear in the reaction picker. Just like that old TV show: Now you can see nine participants with video on your screen at one time. Who's in charge around here? Need to create a group with defined moderators and users, like a classroom? Try creating a Moderated Group. Just a key-press (or three) away: We've added some new global hotkeys you can use even when Skype is minimized. Bug fixes and stability improvements. We sent some bugs packing and swept up after ourselves.

Don't buy an external webcam — just use your iPhone

The 3x3 grid mode is a welcome change to people working from home and staying in touch with friends and family while spending more time at home. The same feature recently rolled out to Microsoft Teams.

The latest update for Skype is available on Skype for Windows, Mac, Linux, and the web.

Chat from anywhere

Skype

Versatile messaging

Skype has apps on every platform and supports every kind of communication, including text, voice, and video.

• Free at Microsoft

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

facetime Pablo Escobar's brother sues Apple for $2.6 billion over iPhone security Roberto Escobar, brother of Pablo, is suing Apple over claims someone hacked his iPhone using a FaceTime vulnerability, finding his address in the process.

second place Apple loses number one tablet spot to Huawei in China Despite a surge in demand for tablets, shipments in China fell by 30% in the first quarter of 2020, and Apple lost its top spot to Huawei.

Coat of paint Apple's Sydney store to reopen May 28 Apple's newly-renovated flagship store on George St. in Sydney will reopen from Thursday, May 28, in line with social distancing guidelines and for limited hours.

Get rid of Zoom Don't use Zoom if you can avoid it; here are some great alternatives. Zoom may be a popular video conferencing app, but if you've paid attention to the news lately, you'll know that has a ton of security issues — so how about something different?