Skype rolls out hand raising to Insiders — finally

Skype on Windows 10
Skype on Windows 10 (Image credit: Windows Central)

Skype

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Skype version 8.65 is rolling out to Insiders.
  • The update adds hand raise support and several other handy features
  • The update also includes several bug fixes.

Microsoft is rolling out Skype version 8.65 to Insiders. The update brings hand raise support, the ability to blur backgrounds for Android users, and several other handy features. The update also includes several bug fixes.

Here's the complete changelog as outlined by Microsoft:

Raise hand! Do you want to participate more in the discussion, but you don't want to interrupt the current speaker? Just raise your hand. Very handy for classroom meetings, but you can also use it as a simple voting mechanism.

Background Blur for Android. We are expanding this amazing feature also for Android users.

New message reaction picker! Missing some reactions? Just customize your reaction picker and add or remove any reactions you want.

Smart suggestions for iOS. We have added direct share support to your iOS devices so you can share text, photos, videos and files with your frequent Skype contacts.

Meet Now support for Safari. Join Meet Now calls via Safari on Mac. You don't need to download the Skype app first if you want to join as a guest.

Join Meet Now calls easily. If Skype is already installed, you can just join the meeting by pasting the meeting URL/meeting ID into Skype.

Supporting CallTo and Tel protocols for Windows and Mac.

We have also updated Skype on Amazon Kindle Fire.

It's worth noting that some of these features, such as the customizable reaction picker, rolled out with previous versions of Skype, so some of these features listed in Microsoft's change log might not be brand new.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.