Skype has a Zoom-like video call function called 'Meet Now'

Skype Meet Now debuted as a Skype Insider feature in December, and has now emerged into the main release cycle.

Microsoft's Skype has released a new feature called "Meet Now", which lets users conduct video calls without signing up or downloading the app.

As the use of video-conferencing app surges amid lockdowns across the globe in a bi to fight the coronavirus pandemic, companies are looking to one-up the competition with new features.

"Meet Now in Skype allows you to easily set up a collaboration space and invite both Skype contacts and friends or family who are not on Skype".

Call participants don't even need to have a Skype account to join in on the chat; just clicking the shared link is sufficient.

In the aughts and early 2010s, Skype dominated the world of video calling. The other user doesn't need to have Skype installed on their devices either, to be able to join the meeting. Once you click on the button to create the unique link, you can share it by simply copying and sending it to the other participants. However, when I selected the option of opening the Skype app, the meeting wouldn't open and I was left with an eternally spinning wheel of death that I just had to exit out of.

Creating a Zoom meeting is as easy as heading to their website and clicking "Host a meeting" at the top of the page, and the system generates an invite to send to all attendees. Furthermore, this feature works on any device, so you can join the meeting on your preferred gadget. The link redirects users to a browser and starts the video call immediately.

Skype clarifies "We will hold your call recordings for up to 30 days and media shared in the chat even longer".