Skype has released a new messaging app that lets you send 42-second videos to friends. Dubbed Skype Qik, the app is now available worldwide in 21 languages for Android, iPhone, as well as Windows Phone devices.
According to Principal Program Manager Lead Dan Chastney, the app, which takes its name from the mobile live video streaming company Qik that Skype acquired for $100 million back in 2011, is aimed at a section of the market that is moving away from scheduled, one-to-one communications.
Feature-wise, Skype Qik reminds us of a lot of other popular apps. For example, like Vine, the app lets you send short duration videos; you sign up for the service with your phone number, an approach already followed by Whatsapp and Viber; and every message lasts exactly 2 weeks, a nod to the ephemeral messaging system popularized by Snapchat.
In addition, the app also lets you erase any video you've sent from the chat, whether it's been watched or not, and if you don't want to receive messages from someone, you can easily block contacts on Android and Windows Phone – the feature will be available on iPhone in the coming months. You can also switch between front-facing and rear-facing cameras while recording videos.
There's also an option to record what the company calls as Qik Fliks – little 5 second GIF-like video messages that you can easily send with a tap. This feature is currently available on Android and iPhone and will be available to Windows Phone users in the coming months.
Although Skype Qik is part of the Skype family, it's an independent app built to run alongside Skype. You can download the app from the Apple App Store, the Google Play Store or the Windows Phone Store.