Microsoft launches Skype Lite in India

Microsoft has announced Skype Lite, a lighter version of its video calling app, in India, which can be download free from Google Play store.

An in-app authentication for Aadhaar would also be available for the app by June this year.

Skype Lite is an offering for mobile-first and mobile-only markets, and the App allows communication and collaboration over low-bandwidth networks, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said.

Skype Lite, Microsoft's fastest and smallest Skype app to date, is claimed to be designed for India. It works on low bandwidths, is fast and has India-focused Skype Bots and power saving functions.

The app will be available in seven local languages - Gujarati, Bengali, Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu – and will also bring Aadhaar integration.

With this integration, Skype users will be able to authenticate the identity of unknown callers in a variety of situations where identification verification is required, including for job interviews, and goods and property sale.

The app also comes with an integrated camera inside the messaging section, enabling users to share photos with a swipe. It has adjusted algorithms and bitrate to ensure call quality is maintained with less data usage.