UPDATED 22:40 EDT / DECEMBER 16 2015

NEWS

An improved Skype for Business comes to Android

Microsoft’s Skype for Business app is now out of preview and available from Google Play. Android users that were previously using Lync 2013 will receive an automatic update to the Skype for Business app based on their device’s settings, says Microsoft.

Having spent a few months in preview based on feedback Microsoft has made some changes, one of which is a redesigned dashboard to give you easier access to things such as recent conversations and meetings. Users can now easily hit the Quick Join icon at the right side of the appointment to join the meeting. Another plus is that all recent conversations can now be found whatever device you were using. Microsoft writes that another improvement is full-screen video with the option of mute buttons and the ability to easily add meeting participants.

Contact management has also been improved, says Microsoft, so that the search bar now allows users to search their Global Address List by name, email or even a phone number. Users can also look for, add, and remove a contact in their Skype for Business group.

Lastly Microsoft has added additional authentication and security options in the form of the Skype for Business Android app that now supports modern authentication based on access tokens – precluding the necessity of users storing their credentials on their device. This also helps IT admins to, “Configure multi-factor authentication for users of the Skype for Business Android app,” says Microsoft, bolstering security above what would normally be user name and password input. Microsoft added, “With multi-factor authentication, users are required to acknowledge a phone call, text message or an app notification on their device after correctly entering their user name and password.”

The app is available right now, while if you are an IT admin Microsoft has prepared a getting started kit to help you prepare your users.

Photo credit: Microsoft

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