Skype, one of the world’s leading VoIP services has revealed its redesigned app for iPhone that will be released globally in the next week. Skype version 5.0 promises new and improved features for all iPhone users, and the iPad version of the app is also reportedly in the works, but a release date has yet to be set.

According to Microsoft, Skype 5.0 for iPhone has been rewritten from the ground up and is more than 5 times faster than the old version, eliminating lag and optimising the overall experience. Version 5.0 also includes smoother animations, scrolling and transitioning that doesn’t hurt the battery life, or affect the apps performance. The new app is being cited as being completely re-mastered for iPhone, and has been optimised specifically for the unique characteristics of the iOS rather than simply amended to be compatible.

iOS compatibility has been an ongoing  challenge for Microsoft and other developers who have had to adapt their products to the requirements of this system. Almost every industry has had to create iOS specific apps to ensure that their products can be utilised on the iPhone, and sites like MobileCasino.co.nz have met the challenge head on by offering device-specific downloads that compensate for each OS’s varying requirements.

Interestingly, Skype version 5.0 for iPhone has kept its interface consistent with Android and Windows phone devices, but the new interface has removed the classic bar tab and added large, colourful buttons that make it simpler to navigate and far more user-friendly. According to the official Skype website they’ve made it easier for users to “swipe between Recent, Favourites and People and to see what your friends are up to.”

The updated version of the app also features improved synching of notifications between devices, meaning that once a user has read a new message on Xbox, PC or via a tablet app, the message will be marked as read on iPhone, making duplicate messages a thing of the past. iPhone users will also be able to start a  group chat using their app, and offline recipients will receive message and images from their account as soon as they are back online.

Microsoft has redesigned their Skype app for iPhone to facilitate a smoother, faster and more integrated conversation experience and the app can be downloaded for free as soon as it hits the market.