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
97 months ago
“What’s that blur coming out of your shower darling?” o_O
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
97 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
97 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
97 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
97 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
97 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

iCloud iPhone 17 Pro

iPhone Users Who Pay for iCloud Storage Get Two New Perks on iOS 27

Thursday July 2, 2026 6:10 am PDT by
If you pay for certain iCloud+ storage plans beyond the 5GB that Apple offers for free, you will receive two more perks on iOS 27 at no additional cost. A summary of the two new iCloud+ perks on iOS 27:Increased daily usage limits for some new Apple Intelligence features, including image generation in the revamped Image Playground app. HomeKit Secure Video cameras receive generated video...
Apple Event Logo

Apple Just Released a New Product

Thursday July 2, 2026 8:04 am PDT by
Apple's first product release of summer 2026 occurred this week, but do not get too excited, as it is merely the Beats Solo Buds in a new color. Beats Solo Buds are now offered in orange through Best Buy in the U.S., with availability set to expand to 7-Eleven stores in Japan on July 4. Apple already offered orange Solo Buds in India for free with the purchase of an iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 ...
iPhone 4 on Black Feature

Apple Facing One of Its Worst Leaks Since the iPhone 4

Thursday July 2, 2026 9:53 am PDT by
Apple supplier Tata Electronics recently suffered a cyberattack that resulted in thousands of confidential files being published on the dark web, and this reportedly included some photos and documents related to the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro. We have elected not to share any of the leaked photos in this story due to the illegal nature in which they were obtained, but they can easily be found...