Skype swipes one of Zoom's best features in an attempt to win you over

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

Video conferencing is the new normal for office workers confined to their homes, and companies like Google, Zoom, Microsoft and Cyberlink are vying to provide the software for your new social needs.

• What is Zoom? Tips, tricks and alternatives
• How to use Zoom Video Conferencing
• How to use Skype for video calls

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 download the one available on the official website.

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

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