Skype for Android gets Material Design on tablets, better multitasking, and improved search

Microsoft today updated its Skype app for Android with a big focus on tablets. You can download the new app now from Google Play.

In September 2015, Skype for Android got a new design “inspired by” Google’s Material Design mantra, but didn’t adopt it completely. At the time, the Microsoft-owned company said the app had been redesigned on Android phones, but didn’t mention Android tablets. Now it is finally bringing the new look to the whole app.

“We received great feedback on the cleaner, more polished feel of the app and how the UI added a bit of fun to your Skype conversations,” the company said. “Today we’re pleased to announce Skype 7.0 for Android, which brings Material Design to larger Android screens.”

The new tablet user interface was apparently designed from the ground up. A new floating action button lets you send messages and start voice and video calls with friends or groups. Even Skype bots are now just a tap away.

Skype also says the new tablet design makes it easier to multitask. There’s a multi-pane view when you’re using your tablet in landscape mode that lets you send messages, files, and check your latest conversations while on a video or voice call.

Next up, search has been improved. Finding contacts, chats, groups, and Skype bots is now much faster, and can be done right from the app’s main screen.

Lastly, when you sign in you will now see all of your device’s address book contacts displayed in your Skype contact list. If any of your friends aren’t already using Skype, you can just tap the “invite” button next to their name to get them started.

Other than that, Skype also promises the usual call quality and performance improvements with today’s release. So even if you don’t use Skype for Android on a tablet, you’ll probably want to get the latest update.