Skype has finally addressed one of the less pleasurable aspects of using multi-platform messaging applications, by fixing the way notifications are delivered.
Users of voice, video and instant messaging communications tool have long complained about the way notifications are delivered to all devices rather than simply the one users are actively working within.
Until now, the result was a rather distracting crescendo of alerts coming through to desktop, smartphones and tablets, but no longer.
{pullquote}An update to Skype will mean users will only receive chat notifications on the device they’re currently using.{pullquote}
In a blog post entitled ‘Notifications rebbuilt around you,’ Skype explained: “If you are signed in to Skype on multiple devices (a laptop, tablet and a smartphone) and you are sending chat messages to a group of friends from your tablet.
Skype will only send new message notifications to your tablet and not to any of your other devices.
“All of your other devices will remain blissfully silent. You can continue to focus on the most important thing, your conversations, without being disturbed by the bleeping and buzzing from all of your other devices.”
“We all go through our days hoping our phone will buzz or beep or ring to let us know someone is thinking about us. Or something important is happening. Or OMG you have to see this video. But it can get a bit much. Especially when you have the same app running in lots of places. Plink. Plink. Ring. Beep. Beep. Beep. ENOUGH! You don’t need your phone to tell you there’s a new message that’s right in front of your face on your computer screen.
Skype explains that the moment you stop using the service on the primary device, the notifications will continue coming through to all devices users are signed in on.
“When you pick up any one of your devices to respond,” the blog continues, “we will stop send notifications to all other devices. Call notifications are still sent to all devices so you can answer on whichever gadget you prefer, not just the one you’re closest to.”
Will other popular messaging apps adopt similar tactics? Let’s hope so. Anything to quieten the din of three devices going off every time we get an IM.
Read more: Skype puts is focus on mobile