Skype takes on Zoom with new feature to hide your messy bedroom

Disguise the clutter with custom backgrounds

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With its latest update, Skype has borrowed one of Zoom’s best features: the ability to replace backgrounds in your video calls.

Video conferencingis the new normal for office workers confined to their homes, and companies likeGoogle, Zoom,Microsoftand Cyberlink are vying to provide the software for your new social needs.

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Until now, one reason for choosing Zoom, particularly for social calls, has been its ability to replace whatever’s behind you (however untidy) with something more interesting than an untidy home office. There’s no need for a green screen; the software does a good job of isolating you from your surroundings, even if they’re severely cluttered.

Now, however, Microsoft has hopped on the bandwagon, introducing a near-identical feature for Skype to save your blushes. Time to get downloading some stock images of tidy workplaces.

Get the right Skype

There’s a catch, though: as Engadget reports, the feature doesn’t work with the version of Skype downloaded from the Microsoft Store. Instead, you’ll need to downloadthe one available on the official website.

Don’t worry, though – all versions are compatible, so you won’t miss out on your meetings orvirtual pub quizzes.

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Cat is TechRadar’s Homes Editor specializing in kitchen appliances and smart home technology. She’s been a tech journalist for 15 years, and is here to help you choose the right devices for your home and do more with them. When not working she’s a keen home baker, and makes a pretty mean macaron.

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