Skype’s new design lands on Linux

Microsoft recently launched the new and modern look for Skype on Windows 7 and the Mac. The software maker is yet to officially bring the new experience to Windows 10 users, although that’s set to launch within a few months. But if you are on Linux, you can already try out the new Skype.

Microsoft recently launched the new Skype Preview on Linux, and you can download it right now to give the new look a try, reports OMG Ubuntu. The new look features bold fonts, a cleaner user interface, color transitions (read: gradients), and a user-interface that consistent across all of your devices, including your phone. The new Skype is a huge update for the service and Microsoft is taking it in an entirely new direction, especially on mobile devices. The radical changes were not well received by Skype users on mobile, but Microsoft will continue to refine it over the coming months.

“Skype Preview delivers most of the great features of our next generation mobile experience but is specifically designed with desktop in mind, to take full advantage of the larger screen. Skype Preview puts chat front and center—making this the most expressive Skype ever. You can also do more together in group calls, with real-time screen and photo sharing,” a Microsoft spokesperson said in a statement.

Since the new Skype is built on Electron, it’s cross-platform which means the Linux app looks and works almost exactly like it does on Windows or Mac. From the splash screen to the call feature, everything is exactly the same because of how the app has been developed using Electron.

You can try the new Skype on Linux here (note: direct download link).