Microsoft Overhauls Skype to Compete With Snapchat and iMessage

Microsoft Corp.’s Skype helped pioneer modern video conferencing and instant messaging. But its power has taken a backseat in recent years to the convenience of communicating via nearly ubiquitous social networking applications like Snap Inc.’s Snapchat and Apple Inc.’s iMessage.

To stay afloat, Skype announced an end-to-end overhaul of the service Thursday -- with iMessage and Snapchat in its sights. The new app has Skype’s standard instant messaging service, international dialing, and multiperson video calling, but it adds integration with third-party services like YouTube, simpler photo sharing, and revamped group chatting with an interface similar to Skype-owned GroupMe.