Microsoft Releases Skype App Optimized For Older Android Devices

Microsoft has announced that it has tweaked Skype to optimize the messaging app to work more efficiently on older Android devices; specifically those running Android 4.0.3 to 5.1. The update started to roll out in the last few days and requires less storage space and has lighter memory consumption to improve overall performance.

Microsoft says that the less stringent requirements means a faster app and better audio and video quality for lower-end devices. The updated app will also have better performance in "challenging" network conditions. Essentially this means on old devices running on networks that aren’t as reliable as users might like.

Microsoft wrote, "In the coming weeks, the update will be rolled out around the world, so no need to worry if you are not seeing the update just yet. If you want to try out the latest version of Skype for Android today, simply sign up for our Skype Insiders Program and help us create the future of Skype together. As you receive the update, we hope that you will share your feedback, so we can provide the best Skype experience possible for our customers across the world and across all devices."

Skype has had some issues of late, last month a serious security issue was discovered by security researcher Stefan Kanthak. He found that the update installer used by the software could be hijacked using a DLL hijacking technique. That technique could be leveraged to allow the hacker to escalate privileges and steal/delete data among other things.