It's never been more important to be able to get work done and collaborate with others from anywhere—be it participating in an important meeting while traveling or sending a quick message during a coffee run. Microsoft has been working hard to ensure Skype for Business can make you productive on any device. Since Microsoft announced the Skype for Business for iOS preview, they've received great response, and today they announced that the new Skype for Business app for iOS devices is now publicly available. Microsoft noted that along with new features noted below, the new app also resolves the initial sign-in issues that some experienced with Lync 2013 on iOS 9.

Join a Meeting in One Touch

Microsoft Skype for Business has an updated dashboard that brings the contact search bar, the user's upcoming meetings and most-recent conversations to appear in one place. The contact search bar allows the user to search their Global Address List by first name, last name, email alias or phone number. The user's recent conversations are at their fingertips, no matter which device the user had their conversation on. The user can also now easily glance at their upcoming appointments with a simply tap on the left for the meeting details or on the icon on the right to join immediately.

Enhanced In-Meeting Experience

Microsoft notes that full-screen video makes for a more immersive meeting experience. Larger buttons to mute and the ability to add participants and manage your call make it a lot easier to meet while you are on the move. Simultaneous viewing of the content being shared during the speaker's video means that you never miss a moment.

Microsoft says to watch for the ability to view PowerPoint slides in a meeting in a future update. In the meantime, you can view a PowerPoint presentation via desktop sharing.

Additional Authentication and Security Options

Office 365 customers can now take advantage of Active Directory Authentication Library (ADAL)-based authentication. This enables your IT admin to configure multi-factor authentication for the Skype for Business iOS app, increasing the security beyond just a user name and password. With multi-factor authentication, users are required to acknowledge a phone call, text message or an app notification on their device after correctly entering their user name and password. Other Office applications also support ADAL-based authentication, which allows for consistent authentication across your organization. Learn more about setting up multi-factor authentication using ADAL.

How You can Upgrade to the New App

The new Skype for Business iOS app is now available as a Universal app in the iTunes Store. iPhone users with Lync 2013 will automatically get updated to the Skype for Business app. iPad users with Lync 2013 need to download the new Universal app from the iTunes Store. If you are an IT admin, use the Skype for Business iOS productivity guide to learn more and prepare your users.

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