Skype reveals colorful overhaul, new features and performance improvements

has some important changes in the works. That’s what will happen later this year, with a focus on speed, reliability and design, along with other improvements. On the one hand, video calls (on what Skype calls the “call phase”) are undergoing a visual overhaul. New layouts and themes are on the way. You will be able to see yourself in the main view while you are on a call, but you can hide your feed if you prefer not to look at your own face.

Video streams are rearranged in a grid to avoid relegating people to minimized view. Instead, all participants on the call, including those who are not sharing a video, will be visible. You’ll also see larger video streams in the top bar.

There are several display options for the call stage, including speaker view, grid view, large gallery, and (making it look like everyone is in the same space). You can also choose to include only the people who share videos in the grid or turn off the video feed completely. Audio-only participants can use any of the apps during a call, rather than the gray nothing.

More colorful themes are in the works, with features like gradients for buttons and for users without an avatar. Meanwhile, “the beauty of the left side panel screams art, poise and lightness,” Skype says, perhaps giving Apple its best impression.

Skype is also in the process of redesigning, which allows people to join calls without signing up or installing the app. Invitation links get a new look, as invitees will see your call’s name and avatar. The service says it will soon support all browsers.

In addition, Skype works on performance. It claims to have improved performance “in key scenarios” by nearly a third on the desktop app and over 2,000% on Android. Custom notification sounds and an updated reactions window let you respond faster by searching for or using pinned reactions.

Elsewhere, you can use Office Lens on the Skype mobile app to share scanned documents, photos, and videos. A new feature called TwinCam will allow you to add a video feed from a second device to your call. This could be handy if you want to show off your pet or allow students to see your textbook and your face at the same time. Simply scan a QR code with your iOS or Android device to get started.