Skype Update For Windows Phone 8/8.1 Adds Location Sharing

Windows Phone owners needn't feel like the red-headed stepchildren of the mobile industry. It's true that Microsoft's share of the mobile market is a drop in the bucket compared to Apple (iOS) and Google (Android), but regardless of that, it's all about the apps and hardware, both of which have been steadily improving. That includes Skype, which has just been updated to include location sharing.

"Today we’re pleased to release Skype 2.22 for Windows Phone 8.1 and Windows Phone 8, which brings location sharing to Skype for the first time! Location sharing lets you have an even better chat experience on the go. Seeing friends or family and want to tell them where to meet you? Simply use this new feature to send them a Bing map of your location, pinpointing exactly where you are," Microsoft explained in a blog post.

Location Sharing

To use the location sharing feature, click the "+" icon in a chat and select "share location" so other people in your conversation know where you're at. It's a simple feature, and one that should make meeting up with your buddies a little easier in certain situations.

The Skype 2.22 update for Windows Phone 8 and 8.1 also adds the ability to save a photo simply by tapping the image to enlarge it and then tapping again for more menu options, include the save feature.

Finally, the updated release adds notification controls for individual conversations. When you're in a chat, tap for more options and select "notifications." You can then choose to turn notifications on or off for that conversation.

Skype 2.22 is available now from the Windows Phone store.