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Microsoft updates Skype iPhone & iPad apps with overhauled interfaces, more

Microsoft on Thursday released major updates of its Skype apps for iPhone and iPad, redesigning their interfaces for better ease-of-use and more visual appeal, while giving iPad users access to options like location sharing and interactive notifications.

Both apps have been given a new Recents tab, as well as a search tool, making it simpler to track down people, groups, or conversations. Microsoft has also improved switching between call and chat interfaces, which can be helpful for sharing content mid-conversation.

New gesture commands include swiping on a contact to make a call, or swiping on a message chain to delete or respond to it.

The iPad app builds in a number of additional improvements, above all location sharing, interactive notifications, and options for starting groups and chats. Sending and receiving photos should be simpler, and users can now import contacts from their iOS address book.

The iPhone and iPad apps are separate downloads, but are both free and run on devices with iOS 7 or later.