Skype 5.9 for iPhone Brings Smart Dialling; Pre-Release Program Announced

Microsoft's Skype, the popular VoIP service, has launched v5.9 of its app for iPhone devices along with some new features and a pre-release programme for feedback.

With the Skype v5.9 app for iPhone, Microsoft has focused more on the calling feature of the app. The firm has introduced 'smart dialling' that starts prompting contact suggestions as soon as users start dialling a number - a feature present in most mobile operating systems.

Skype has has also updated the chat picker in the new app. Skype v5.9 for iPhone now shows a phone and a video icon when a user opens a chat window in the app. Using the icons, user can easily make an audio or video call to the contact. The chat picker can be accessed in the recents, favourites or people section via the message button at the bottom. The updated app is available to download from the App Store.

Microsoft-owned Skype has also unveiled a pre-release program, which lets users give feedback about upcoming versions before they are released. "We're looking for enthusiastic Skype users who are interested in providing feedback that will shape and enhance Skype for iOS to join our new pre-release program," added the Skype blog post. By applying for the programme, users will receive and test early versions of the app, and give feedback to the firm.

The firm has made it clear that applicants should be 18-years-old or older, have a valid email ID and a Skype or Microsoft account. The application process has already started.

It is worth mentioning that the firm last month also launched its Spanish to English real-time translation test program.