Skype Gains Background Blurring Feature - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

Skype Gains Background Blurring Feature

by

skype logoSkype is getting a new screen-blurring feature this week. Users of Microsoft's video and voice calling service can now choose to blur the background on video calls if the scene behind them is something they'd rather not share.

The idea behind the feature is to save the user's blushes because of the messy room they're skyping from, or to obscure a business plan on a whiteboard behind them, for instance.

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.

Background blur in Skype is similar to background blur in Microsoft Teams, according to the software giant. The results are somewhat akin to the "bokeh" effect most commonly seen in Portrait photos on iPhone, but in this case in a live video stream.

skype background blurring feature
The feature is rolling out on desktops, mobile, and web, and can be enabled in Skype's settings or by using the video call button.

Tag: Skype

Top Rated Comments

Xenc Avatar
95 months ago
“What’s that blur coming out of your shower darling?” o_O
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
95 months ago
All this software to try mimic a larger sensor and fast lens. I'll stick to using my DSLR on a tripod for video calls.
Awesome! Stick to the 60s while world is moving forward! Good for you mate.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ruka.snow Avatar
95 months ago
All this software to try mimic a larger sensor and fast lens. I'll stick to using my DSLR on a tripod for video calls.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Asarien Avatar
95 months ago
All this software to try mimic a larger sensor and fast lens. I'll stick to using my DSLR on a tripod for video calls.
Awesome! Stick to the 60s while world is moving forward! Good for you mate.
For someone who knows how to use sarcasm, you're pretty bad at detecting it, mate.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nvmls Avatar
95 months ago
“What’s that blur coming out of your shower darling?” o_O
"Kittie grew & likes water now darling.."
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ArtOfWarfare Avatar
95 months ago
unlike this feature, it doesn’t scream or even suggest “I don’t want you to see I’m a clutter monster and therefore unprofessional”.
I don't think background blur is going to suggest this... people should be looking at you, not behind you. If there was something interesting behind you, maybe they'd notice it, but since it's just a blur behind you, they won't notice it. Out of sight, out of mind.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iOS 27 on iPhone 17 1

iOS 27 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Saturday May 2, 2026 8:43 am PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil iOS 27 during its WWDC 2026 keynote on June 8, and there are already many rumored features and changes for iPhones. The first developer beta of iOS 27 will likely be available immediately following the keynote, and a public beta typically follows in July. Following beta testing, the software update should be released to all users with a compatible iPhone in...
Apple Event Logo

Apple Just Released a New Accessory

Monday May 4, 2026 8:13 am PDT by
Apple today released a new Pride Edition Sport Loop for the Apple Watch. The band features a rainbow design with 11 colors of woven nylon yarns. The new Pride Edition Sport Loop is available to order now on Apple.com and in the Apple Store app in 40mm, 42mm, and 46mm sizes, and it will be available at Apple Store locations starting later this week. In the U.S., the band costs $49. There...
Apple Announces 2026 Pride Band Watch Face and iPhone Wallpaper Article 2

iOS 26.5 Coming Soon With These New Features

Monday May 4, 2026 8:40 am PDT by
iOS 26.5 is expected to be released next week, following more than a month of beta testing. The update is relatively minor, but there are a couple of new features and changes across the operating system that we have recapped below. iOS 26.5 lays the groundwork for end-to-end encryption for RCS in the Messages app and ads in the Apple Maps app, and it will include a new Pride wallpaper and a...
Related Apple News: South Africa | Travel | Iphone | Sport | Mac