Skype Raises Bar On Video Conference Calls With Background Blurring Feature For iOS

KEY POINTS

Skype finally brings a background blur feature to iOS, giving iPhone or iPad users the ability to effectively hide backgrounds during calls
The new feature works in a fairly similar way as the first-generation Portrait photo feature present on iPhones
Skype broadens its reach, possibly in order to gain a bigger share of the market for video conferencing apps

Skype has announced a new feature that should come in handy for folks using the application either for personal or business use on iOS.

With the COVID-19 pandemic still far from contained, people from various parts of the world have turned to video conferencing to keep in touch and get some work done. And while that is a privilege given by technology, it remains that there are concerns on presentation and privacy.

With most folks now turning to video conference means to communicate, one common problem often encountered is the need to hide backgrounds. Some don't want viewers to see their messy rooms when joining calls. For offices, there will be times when there are confidential information or plans possibly on whiteboards that should not be seen, Mac Rumors pointed out.

Skype has offered a new blurring feature that should address that concern.

"Background blur in Skype and Teams uses artificial intelligence (AI)—trained in human form detection—to keep you in focus during your call. This technology is also trained to detect your hair, hands, and arms, making a call with background blur just as relaxed and easy as a regular video call," Skype's statement read.

The background blur feature was originally introduced in February but only for the desktop versions. This can be enabled via the settings menu. It can also be used through the "Blur my background" option.

The new feature works in a fairly similar way as the first-generation Portrait photo feature present on iPhones. It detects faces and artificially blurs everything behind them. It does not require TrueDepth cameras that rely heavily on AI.

It took a while for Microsoft to offer the feature. When it came to the Mac, Windows and Linux last year, the company needed a decent amount of video-processing power — a reason for the long wait, 9 to 5 Mac reported.

For instructions on how to use the Skype feature, check out Microsoft's support page here.

This development should give users broader options. Most have been using Zoom, an app that has grown popular and rendered changes since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. Zoom does offer virtual backgrounds as well.

Now, it will be interesting to see if Skype can gain a bigger chunk of the market with its new feature reaching iOS users.