Microsoft Corp. today released a new version of the Skype desktop app that offers new calling features and sets the stage for an even bigger update that will roll out later this summer.

Among the capabilities available today, the most significant is support for high-definition video calls. Users can now see one another at 1080p and share their screens to collaborate on items such as Word documents. The new Skype enables up to 24 people to participate in a meeting.

Skype 8.0 complements the expanded video support with features designed to make large group discussions more manageable. Most notably, the release brings a Twitter-inspired @mentions options that aims to let users reliably catch the attention of the person they’re hoping to reach in chat. Microsoft’s upcoming upgrade is set to build on this addition with read receipts that will show how much of a conversation each person has read.

The company is making privacy a priority as well. Microsoft will add the option of holding calls and chat sessions with end-to-end encryption powered by the Signal Protocol, the technology behind the popular Signal secure messaging app.

During conversations, users will also have access to a new call recording tool. This addition fills an important gap for Skype, which faces competition from a massive lineup of rival communications services that in many cases already provide their own call recording functions.

Microsoft promised to introduce a number of more niche features as well, including iPad support and the ability to create invite links for group discussions. The latter feature will be accompanied by a “Share Profile” option for inviting contacts who don’t have Skype installed.

Today’s updates comes about a year after Microsoft released a controversial redesign for the service in a bid to appeal to younger demographics. Yet despite the mixed reception to the new look and the fierce competition from rivals, Skype continues going strong. Microsoft claimed that the service has “hundreds of millions” of users in today’s announcement.

Image: Microsoft