Skype gets Zoom-like custom background feature, here are all the details

Microsoft owned video calling application Skype is bringing a new feature that can help the app better take on Zoom for video conferencing. Skype is getting support for custom backgrounds across Windows, iOS, Linux and Web in its latest version 8.59.0.77. The company began rolling this out on April 16 and said that all users will get it gradually over this week.

So, what are custom backgrounds? With the new feature, users can simply change the background while video calling. This means one does not have to video call with a boring white wall on display. The background display can change and make it look different. “Want to look like you’re calling from the beach, or from space? Now you can, with custom backgrounds for your video calls,” the company said in its statement. If not an image, the user can choose to blur the background as well. In order to access the feature, the computer processor needs to support Advanced Vector Extensions 2 (AVX2), the company highlighted.