Microsoft has given Skype for iOS a boost with new app integrations that include, most importantly, Skype working with Apple Maps and the calendar on your iOS device. Skype 6.6 for iPad and iPhone, says Microsoft, has been reinvented to make multi-tasking easier.

What this means is that now right now your Skype chat you get into your calendar, start calls and check locations. Users can also now tap a highlighted phone number, date, or address and this will start an action. If you tap an address it will open Apple Maps, while if you tap a phone number the Skype dial-pad will open.

Another interesting extra is that now when you tap on a date or a time the calendar app will open, not only taking information from the message to the calendar, but also providing a chat URL so you can return to the conversation at any point.

Lastly, Skype 6.6 lets you get back into audio or video calls from your instant messages or contact list. An active call banner will pop-up, which can be tapped to return to the call. There has also been a slight change to instant messaging, which means an unread message counter will appear at the top of your conversation. If you tap on ‘back’ you’ll be able to see what you missed.

When all is said and done Microsoft probably has its hopes on people using the calling function a little more, but that’s probably just not going to happen. However, the mapping and calendar changes are something that will undoubtedly make Skye much more user friendly.

You can update now from the Apple Store, for iPhone and iPad.

Photo credit: Mike Licht via Flickr