Microsoft updates chat features with new Skype for Mac, Windows desktop clients

Microsoft is updating the chat functionality in its Skype desktop clients for both the Mac and Windows.

On October 9, Microsoft made available for download Skype for Mac 7.0 and a preview of the updated Skype for Windows (the desktop version, not the Metro-Style one). The focus of both of these updates is on improving chatting and file sharing, according to a new post on the Skype Garage blog.

"If you’re already using Skype on mobile, you’ll recognize some of these changes. We’ve made the Skype experience consistent whether you are using your mobile device or your desktop PC. Now, you’ll see thumbnail pictures of your contacts, a new bubble-style chat design, and consistent icons for chat, video calls and audio calls," said company officials.

Skype Mac and Windows desktop users will see file icons displayed when they share file types like Office documents and PDFs. They also, thanks to the new side-by-side design of the clients, will be able to multitask on voice or video calls.