The coronavirus pandemic has shifted the work flow; and the lockdown means you should deliver it all from wherever you are. With video conferencing now the way to go, it is obvious that video calls are now more popular. However, one has to ensure that their environment does not affect the mood of the call – lest the focus shifts to what’s behind there!
In the latest update to Skype, the app now allows users to use custom backgrounds of their own choosing. Of course before this, most users had to blur their background. The new update lets you choose any backdrop image you like to replace your background. Skype will automatically detect and replace the background behind you with the image while you’re video chatting.
Here’s how to do it.
As a requirement, ensure that you have the latest version of the Skype desktop client downloaded and installed on your Windows PC or Mac. Some older versions of Skype support background blurring, but they do not have custom backgrounds. Also, your computer processor needs to support Advanced Vector Extensions 2 (AVX2).
To customize your background during a Skype video session, move your mouse over the video button and click the More menu. From here, click “Choose Background Effect”. It is here that you can blur the room you’re in currently, choose an image you previously added, or add a new image to customize your background effect.
Note that you should use images in landscape orientation and the custom image needs to be saved locally on your desktop for this to work.
How to customize your background for all Skype video calls
To customize your background for all video calls, click your profile picture. Then, click Settings then the Audio & Video option. Under Choose background effect, you can blur the room you’re in currently, choose an image you previously added, or add a new image to customize your background effect. The image should be in landscape orientation and saved locally on your desktop.
Recently, Microsoft decided to add new features to its video calling service, through Skype Meet Now. You can now join cross-platform video conferences without the need for an account, or without even having to download any software. The new interface lets you start calls with just a single click.
Read About: The all new Microsoft 365
