The Skype iOS app is finally getting the background blur feature that first landed on desktop versions of the app way back in February of last year …
Background blur works in a similar way to the first generation Portrait photo feature on iPhones, detecting faces and then artificially blurring everything behind them. However, it doesn’t require devices with TrueDepth cameras, relying entirely on AI.
Microsoft noted when it came to Mac, Windows, and Linux last year that it required a decent amount of video-processing power, so that may explain the delay before coming to mobile devices. Interestingly, though, the latest version of the app doesn’t have any asterisks about only working on certain iPhones or iPads.
Background blur in Skype is similar to background blur in Microsoft Teams. It takes the stress out of turning on your video and puts the focus where it belongs—on you […] Your background will be instantly and subtly blurred, leaving just you as the only focal point.
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.
Also notable is the fact that the Android app has not yet been updated to add the feature.
Microsoft’s support page has been updated to add instructions for mobile to those for the desktop app.
Virtual backgrounds came to Mac in April of this year, with additional backgrounds added just this week, but this feature is not yet available on iOS devices.
- During a call, hover over the video button or click the More menu.
- Click 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.
How do I blur my background during a video call in Skype for iPhone and iPad?
- During a call, tap the More menu.
- Switch Blur my background on.
Skype for iPhone is a free download from the App Store.
Via and photo: Tom Warren/The Verge
