Release Notes for Skype 8.71

Hi. Will this be out in iPhone too?

Just as a reminder, one was never done for 8.70. I mean on the release page but also in this forum (except for Insider, which has less visibility):

https://support.skype.com/en/faq/FA34778/what-s-new-in-skype-for-windows-mac-linux-and-web

Too bad about Firefox, especially given that all you have to do is change the browser id with an extension to get it mostly if not completely working (I didn't test video calls). Given that, it's remarkable that MS blocks it by default.

The issue where the tray icon disappears once every 12-24 hours (assuming Skype is running continuously) continues despite being reported numerous times. Several months ago, the blame was put on the version of Electron used, but that apparently wasn't the issue given that Skype's Electron's version was bumped way up some months later. It's very annoying to have to close and restart Skype every day for this.

Hi Petr,

No update in the Microsoft Store as of yet.

The latest available version is  Skype version 8.69.0.77 & Application version 15.69.77.0, updated in the Store on 01/02/2021 at 09:45;11.

When is the 8.71 coming to the MSFT Store?

It should be there always first!

It's always there last. Sometimes it even skips versions, as you found (mine isn't past .68 yet from the Store, so different people get different things).

Store is being overhauled, so maybe it'll be better on the other side.

The Microsoft Store should be the 1st and foremost for regular Skype releases disregarding any Store overhauls, upgrades, improvements, etc.

Then the rest of the sources. I got the Skype updated on Android to 8.71 few days ago but it's still not working properly on Android 11. Notifications get delayed, calls initiate late with pretty poor quality. On my various Surface LTE devices, the 8.69 works better for everything, calls, messages, file transfers and so on with several quirks though like temperamental Task Bar notification badges, most of the time none, webcams initiate late or not at all, screen rotation problems, microphone issues and some others.
But the best version by far is still the latest UWP Skype 8.56.0.102/Application 14.56.102.0, I've got the installer saved and use it constantly to overwrite the current MSFT Store version.

Works in every mode, desktop, tablet, every webcam, screen rotation, synchronises and updates in the background seamlessly over LTE on standby. Simply superior. I don't understand Microsoft's logic in trying to push a replacement which fails miserably.

8.71 created severe problems, not working for my application

1. Black video screen in "Einstellungen (setup) - Audio und Video", camera drivers ok, data protection setings ok, cameras working fine with other app. own video picture can not be checked prior to presentations.

2. Background pictures can not be chosen anymore.

3. Even Installation of older version did not solve the problem

4. Very bad:  Windows 10 home updates Skype downloaded from Microsoft Store automatically.

Current Skype status: very sad....

Hello,

By installing the  latest Skype version 8.71 my integrated camera stopped showing my "back picture" (my small picture on the screen). Only black screen appears. Also Setup/ Audio and video shows the same black screen. The "back picture" works correctly in all other tolls like Teams or Zoom. Therefore it must be a problem inside the new Skype version.

Please, send me an older Skype version to my mail *** Email address is removed for privacy ***. 

Thanks

Petr Nedvěd

After several tests with 8.71 and 8.69 versions, which were all unsuccessful,  i finally found Skype_v8.68.0.96.

This version is functional again. What a waste of time. I will keep this version as long as possible. 

This experience finally motivated me to change my update settings to make sure that updates of Microsoft Windows 10  do no longer trigger updates of apps like Skype distributed by Microsoft.

Windows 10 updates are also paused for the next 35 days - unfortunately a short period to keep trouble away.

Thanks 

Silke Moeller 

Pausing Windows Updates won't stop Skype from updating, since whichever version you have (standalone or Store), it's updated independently of WU. The best you can do is disable updates for Windows Store, but I doubt the 8.71 you're talking about came from there.

BTW, here's another thread on the above issue for anyone interested:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/skype/forum/all/having-troubles-seeing-yourself-on-camera-video/9f8ba2d2-9c0d-4b9f-a8ee-c1ac25afcf58

Hi guys, this update has destroyed Skype completely for me (and it was already a decaying user experience).

Now when I call someone and they call me unless I'm focused on the Skype window I am no longer receiving the call. It doesn't even go to my phone. I have "answer incoming calls automatically" selected and it's failing to do that. Additionally, messages sent to and from my device are often not showing up in the notifications despite all notifications being turned on. This behaviour is the same on both my Windows device and my Macbook, so it's a problem with Skype, not my computers. 

Skype already can't tell when someone is online/away/etc. a well-documented issue for years which hasn't been fixed, but if it can't make or receive calls I can't use it as a communication app.

Please advise on how to revert to the latest version where call and messaging functionality is available.

Cheers.