Microsoft launches Skype Lite for India that works on slow internet and supports Aadhaar

[EC]

Microsoft has just found the perfect Skype app for the Indian market.

At an event in Mumbai today, Satya Nadella announced Skype Lite, a 13MB app that works even on slower networks and on lower-end phones with limited storage and processing power.

On top of this, Skype Lite leverages Aadhaar, India's biometric database, as its "fundamental authentication system," Nadella said. "We're very excited about what we are doing with Skype, and the India Stack (the infrastructure of Aadhaar that allows private companies to interact with the database)."

The company is positioning Skype Lite, available on Android starting today, as a single-app for all sorts of communication — "messaging, calling, sharing," a company executive said on stage. For instance, much like earlier version of Google Hangouts, the text messages and IM chats appear in the same app.

Microsoft has also introduced bots to the messaging app and added automated services such as MSN News. The bots, much like in Google Assistant, are able to predict what it is that you're likely to type and fetch information for you. Additionally, Skype Lite uses machine learning to de-clutter spam messages.

More: http://mashable.com/2017/02/22/skype-lite-aadhaar-india-stack/

[EC]

To answer the inevitable question ....

Skype Mingo is now Skype Lite, designed for low data usage [APK Download]

Even though it's only officially available in India, it works great in 'murica on my Pixel. Being on Project Fi, the limited data usage is a great plus. Skype Lite has other features that the full app doesn't, like dark mode and pinning contacts to the home screen. I do wish Skype Lite's notifications supported quick reply (the full Skype app does), but that's a small complaint.

As mentioned above, Skype Lite is only officially available in India on the Play Store. Everyone else can download the APK from APKMirror.

Download link for US usage at end of article: http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/02/22/skype-mingo-now-skype-lite-designed-low-data-usage-apk-download/

[geronl]

does Skype let users make calls to regular phones?

[EC]

does Skype let users make calls to regular phones?

It does. I've done it a couple times.

[Frank Cannon]

This Skype Lite should have some awesome picture quality on dial up modems...

[Oceander]

does Skype let users make calls to regular phones?

Yes.  You can also get a dedicated phone number so that people using regular (i.e., non Skype) phones can call you. 

[geronl]

It does. I've done it a couple times.

a google search says domestic calls are 4.9 cents and then 2.3 cents a minute
but another return says $2.95 a month for unlimited north america calling

[Oceander]

a google search says domestic calls are 4.9 cents and then 2.3 cents a minute
but another return says $2.95 a month for unlimited north america calling

Should depend on what service level you pick.

[EC]

a google search says domestic calls are 4.9 cents and then 2.3 cents a minute
but another return says $2.95 a month for unlimited north america calling

Can't help on pricing - mine's UK, so at least treble the highest price you'll find. 

[geronl]

Can't help on pricing - mine's UK, so at least treble the highest price you'll find. 

dang