Skype only stole 1 of Zoom's best features

Skype only stole 1 of Zoom's best features

Zoom's custom backgrounds for video calls have caused a sensation, with people posting snaps of what appear to be calls made from sun-drenched beaches or the bridge of an imperial Stardestroyer. And now Microsft's Skype is getting in on the action.

Microsoft is rolling out support for custom backgrounds for Skype video calls, allowing users to change the current background by adding a custom image from their PC. Support for custom backgrounds will be available for Skype on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Adding a custom background to Skype is very easy. During a video call, simply move your cursor over the video camera button and click the "More" button indicated by the three dots.

You can add a custom image that will blur or overlay the actual background by uploading a new image or using an image previously used in Skype.

Microsoft recommends using background images in landscape orientation. Also, the blurred background effect is currently only supported in Skype for Windows 10.

As various social distancing measures are likely to be in place for a significant period of time in 2020, if not the entire year, companies like Zoom, Houseparty, and Skype are building video calling features to engage and entertain the incarcerated expected.

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