Five years ago, Microsoft was greeted with anger and disdain by Skype users when it tried to modernise the app across the platforms with a questionable UI and uncalled features. Vole was forced back to the drawing board and now appears to be ready to have another crack at it again.

Vole said it had redesigned the Skype experience to be "more delightful and fun", which sounds really depressing. The app now features a brand-new interface with fresh illustrations, new emoticons, better performance, and reliability improvements.

Microsoft has done its best to maintain consistency, so users should not be shocked or feel lost after installing the update.

Skype on mobile devices now features improved colourful themes with more prominent and vibrant colours throughout the app and enhanced accessibility. You will also find recognisable Skype elements, such as clouds and animated emoticons.

Skype offers a new "Today" tab with personalised articles and news stories from "trusted sources worldwide." Users can read and share those stories without signing up for a subscription.