News - Skype to receive a shiny new UI for Windows 8 'Modern UI'

[HEXUS]

Now that it's part of the Microsoft family, it'll play well with the firm's other kids.

Read more.

[Jedibeeftrix]

and no longer written with Qt no doubt.

[Fraz]

Given how awful the Skype UI is in general (particularly on OS X where it seems to take up most of the screen), I'd have thought anything would be an improvement.

Let's hope they also make it easier to shut down. Yes, believe it or not Skype, I actually know when I want to turn you off.

[Saker]

Shame about those black boxes, they ruin it a bit

[this_is_gav]

Given how awful the Skype UI is in general (particularly on OS X where it seems to take up most of the screen), I'd have thought anything would be an improvement.

Let's hope they also make it easier to shut down. Yes, believe it or not Skype, I actually know when I want to turn you off.

Given Microsoft's recent history of making Windows itself difficult to shutdown, they'll probably make you do an 11-finger gesture to close it.

[aidanjt]

Given Microsoft's recent history of making Windows itself difficult to shutdown, they'll probably make you do an 11-finger gesture to close it.

Both hands and a nose butt?

[Biscuit]

i dont want fullscreen UI for a friggin chat program, i want a small box than i can move into an unobtrusive space.

[aidanjt]

i dont want fullscreen UI for a friggin chat program, i want a small box than i can move into an unobtrusive space.

UR JUST A HATER! How dare you question [s]Metro[/s] Windows 8-style UI?!

[Terbinator]

i dont want fullscreen UI for a friggin chat program, i want a small box than i can move into an unobtrusive space.

Even current Skype doesn't let you do that now. I don't want to minimise a program that primarily requires no further input once setup - i want it to disappear to the taskbar until told otherwise.

[Noxvayl]

I don't find the UI repulsive, its application to their mail is actually good, it offers better functionality and uses up less space but I am not a fan of them encouraging full screen apps. Like Biscuit I want to be able to resize the app to suit my needs, I have a second monitor not to host one full screen app but rather to display a wealth of information to me while I am doing other things.

I find it crazy that they would think people using Skype would only be using Skype, I bet if they actually did some investigation they'd find that people who use Skype are also active on social media sites, blogging sites like Twitter and possibly have many other things going on at the same time(ie while talking on Skype they are commenting on pictures on Facebook).

I think Microsoft has forgotten that unlike on a mobile device PCs are useful because they can run multiple applications at once and use multiple monitors to do so. The idea to integrate the two platforms is interesting but they are restricting PC users by insisting on using a full screen for apps that don't have enough useful information to cover a full screen.

Microsoft might become a mobile software company if they are willing to ignore desktop user needs.

[Biscuit]

Even current Skype doesn't let you do that now. I don't want to minimise a program that primarily requires no further input once setup - i want it to disappear to the taskbar until told otherwise.

Well you can undock the chat windows leaving you with a contact list, which is kinda ok. The minimize thing drives me nuts aswell though, god knows what goes through their head.

[Hicks12]

metro apps will always be full screen unfortunately, as long as the desktop version gets improved to a more office 2013 design it would be lovely.

Remember the metro is more likely used on tablets and phones so you generally go fullscreen then tab out of it and it will run in the background, nothing wrong with that its maximising the available space while you are using it.

[d6bmg]

:facepalm:
I like the old simplified skype bar.

[peterb]

Another Microsoft makeover - why leave a perfectly good UI alone when you can make it worse?

[Biscuit]

metro apps will always be full screen unfortunately, as long as the desktop version gets improved to a more office 2013 design it would be lovely.

Remember the metro is more likely used on tablets and phones so you generally go fullscreen then tab out of it and it will run in the background, nothing wrong with that its maximising the available space while you are using it.

there is a LOT wrong with that. What if i want to IM someone while having a video playing and browse the web?

This is something i do all the time!

[dangel]

there is a LOT wrong with that. What if i want to IM someone while having a video playing and browse the web?

This is something i do all the time!

I do agree with this - but I would point out that you can dock one app to the side whilst using another. I managed to have the IM app open on one side of my screen whilst using this web browser (on the desktop proper). Doesn't feel great tho and it's weird flicking apps left/right.