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Skype for iOS 10 lets you use Siri to make a call and answer calls from your lock screen

Microsoft today updated its Skype for iOS app with new features specific to iOS 10. You can download the new app now directly from Apple’s App Store (iPhone, iPad).

Skype now supports SiriKit, which means you can call someone on Skype just like you would place a normal call with voice commands. You can just say “Call [contact name]” and as long as the Skype contact information is saved in your iOS device, Siri and Skype will take care of the rest. Just like on a normal call, Siri may ask for you to confirm it has the right contact.

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Skype also now takes advantage of CallKit in iOS 10. As a result, incoming Skype calls will show up just like regular calls on your lock screen, and it’s easy to switch between, or answer, Skype and regular calls. Microsoft says SiriKit and CallKit functionality is coming to its Skype for Business iOS apps in October.

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You can now store your Skype contacts right in your iOS device. This makes it easier to initiate a Skype video call, audio call, or even a Skype message without having to go into the app.

Here’s the full changelog for Skype version 6.25:

  • Use Siri commands to quickly start a Skype call
  • Answer Skype calls from your lock screen, just like a regular phone call
  • Seamlessly store your Skype contacts into the contacts list built into your iPhone
  • Pay for Skype Credit in Israeli Shekels
  • Invite your friends to Skype directly from the contacts list
  • More easily differentiate between your contacts and bots in the contacts list

This is a big update for Skype, but you’ll need to get iOS 10 in order to truly appreciate it. If you’re a big Skype user and haven’t upgraded to Apple’s latest and greatest, this should win you over.

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