Speaker Or Gallery View On Mac Skype For Business



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Summary: Skype for Business Server 2015 or Skype for Business Online administrators can use these tables to understand what features are supported on which clients.

(not available in Skype for Web) Ring on additional device - You can set Skype incoming calls to ring on multiple audio devices if you have, for example, both a headset and speaker connected. (not available in Skype for Web) Make a free test call - You can use this feature to check that your sound and microphone are working properly in Skype. Enable video for a new Skype Meeting space: Ensure that your camera and microphone are working and enabled; Start with scheduling a Skype for Business meeting by clicking the New Skype Meeting button from the Outlook Calendar view; Click on Meeting Options. In the Skype Meeting Options window, ensure that A new meeting space is selected.

Before you deploy or upgrade to Skype for Business, check which clients are already in use in your organization. Use the tables below to understand the feature support impact on those clients. This can help you communicate changes to users, pace the roll-out process, and fully understand the benefits of upgrading to the latest client.

Some features available with Skype for Business Server 2015 are not available in Skype for Business Online, see Online or Hybrid user account limitations for specifics. Skype for Business Online Admins may want to refer to Skype for Business Online Service Description for information on the different plans available to them.

See Desktop client feature comparison for Skype for Business 2019 for client support on Skype for Business Server 2019.

The following tables show the features that are available with each client that works with Skype for Business Server 2015 or Skype for Business Online. You may also want to refer to Mobile client feature comparison for Skype for Business for smart phone and tablet client feature comparisons. The Client Access License or User Subscription License your organization purchases will also have an impact on which features are available to your users. Whether you deploy the Full or Basic client to users depends on the license or plan your organization chooses to buy. See the Licensing Guide for more details.

Important

Skype for Business Server 2015 and Skype for Business Online support the following previously released clients: Lync 2013, Lync 2010, Lync 2010 Mobile, Lync Phone Edition, and Lync 2010 Attendant. For information about these clients when used with other servers, see the Client comparison tables for Lync Server 2013 and Client comparison tables for Lync Server 2010.

Note

The Lync 2010 Attendant client is not supported in Skype for Business Online.

Note

The Skype for Business Web App browser client and Skype Meetings App Windows 10 app only provide Meetings support. Refer to Plan for Meetings clients (Web App and Meetings App) for more about these clients.

Enhanced Presence support

This table covers the Enhanced Presence features that extend beyond a simple indication of whether a user is online, offline, busy, etc.

Feature/capabilitySkype for Business 2015 or 2016 clientSkype for Business on MacLync 2013 clientLync Windows Store appLync 2010Lync 2010 AttendantLync Phone EditionCommunicator for Mac 2011Lync for Mac 2011
Publish status✔ ❶✔ ❶
View status
View status notes and Out of Office messages
Add a custom location
Add a custom note
Use a photo from any public site for My Picture (not available in Skype for Business Online)

❶ Does not support publishing status based on calendar free/busy information.

Contacts and Contact Groups support

This table covers the features relating to managing IM and Presence contacts.

Feature/capabilitySkype for Business 2015 or 2016 clientSkype for Business on MacLync 2013 clientLync Windows Store appLync 2010Lync 2010 AttendantLync Phone EditionCommunicator for Mac 2011Lync for Mac 2011
Pre-populated Contacts list
View and Modify Contacts list
Tag contacts for status change alerts
Control privacy relationships
Search the corporate address book
Search Microsoft Outlook contacts
Manage contact groups
Expand distribution groups and Microsoft 365 Groups
Search for Response Groups
(not available in Skype for Business Online)
Display recent contacts group
Display current conversations group
Display alternate contact views (for example, tile)
Sort contacts by Group, Relationship, or New (people who've added you to their Contacts list)Sort by group
Sort contacts by Status (availability)
Search and add Exchange contacts

IM support

This table covers features related to IM support.

Feature/capabilitySkype for Business 2015 or 2016 clientSkype for Business on MacLync 2013 clientLync Windows Store appLync 2010Lync 2010 AttendantLync Phone EditionCommunicator for Mac 2011Lync for Mac 2011
Initiate IM with or email to a contact
Navigate among multiple IM conversations/Track multiple conversations in a single tabbed window
Log IM conversations in Outlook✔If server side conversation history is turned onSaved in Communicator for MacSaved in Lync for Mac
Use prepared conversation templates
Check spelling
Skill search (with SharePoint Server integration)
(On-premises Skype for Business Server and on-premises SharePoint 2013 are required for skill search.)
Persistent Chat (Group Chat) integration
(not available for Skype for Business Online)
Escalate a Persistent Chat room to a Skype for Business Meeting with one click
(not available for Skype for Business Online)
Inline pictures of sender and receiver in IM window
Send ink messages
Receive ink messages
Set IM messages as high importance
Transfer files in peer-to-peer IM conversations

Meetings support

This table covers features related to Meetings support.

Note

Skype for Business meeting features aren't available in Skype for Business Online Standalone Plan 1. Plan 1 is being retired.

In Skype-to-Skype sessions, a Skype for Business Online Plan 1 user can participate in desktop sharing and application sharing if they're invited by a user who has access to sharing features.For details, see the Skype for Business Online Service Description.

Feature/capabilitySkype for Business 2016 clientSkype for Business on MacSkype for Business Web AppSkype for Business 2015 clientLync 2013 clientLync Windows Store appLync 2010Lync 2010 AttendantLync Phone EditionCommunicator for Mac 2011Lync for Mac 2011
Add computer audio✔(requires plug-in)
Add video✔(requires plug-in)
View multiparty video (gallery view)
Video-based screen sharing✔View-only
Use in-meeting presenter controls
Access detailed meeting roster
Participate in multiparty IM
Share the desktop (if enabled)✔ ❶✔ ❶ (requires plug-in)✔ ❶✔ ❶
Share a program (if enabled)View only✔(requires plug-in)View only
Add anonymous participants (if enabled)
Use dial-in audio meetings✔ ❷✔ ❷✔ ❷✔ ❷
Initiate a Meet Now meeting
Add and present Microsoft PowerPoint files❸ Annotations not availablePresent only❸ View only, annotations not available
Navigate Microsoft PowerPoint files
Add and edit OneNote meeting notesEdit only (not add)
Use a whiteboard
Conduct polls
Upload files to share with others
Schedule a meeting or conferenceOutlook or Skype for Business Web SchedulerOutlook or Skype for Business Web SchedulerSkype for Business Web SchedulerOutlook or Skype for Business Web SchedulerOutlook or Lync Web SchedulerOutlook or Lync Web SchedulerOutlookOutlook
Q&A Manager
Disable attendee video
Disable meeting IM
Mute Audience
Make everyone an attendee
Produce Skype Meeting Broadcast
Delegate can schedule a meeting on behalf of delegator
Synchronize delegates between Skype for Business and Outlook
Set Video Spotlight (lock video)
Give/Take control of screen sharing

❶ Participants can't control desktops that are shared by Skype for Business on Mac, Lync for Mac 2011, or Communicator for Mac 2011 users. Skype for Business on Mac, Lync for Mac 2011 and Communicator for Mac 2011 users can't control desktops shared by Windows users. This also won't work for Skype for Business Web App on Max OSX.

❷ For Skype for Business Online, this feature requires Microsoft PSTN Conferencing, Exchange Unified Messaging, or a 3rd party audio conferencing provider.

❸ The Lync for Mac 2011 client cannot view Microsoft Office 2013 PowerPoint presentations when they have been shared in a conference by the Skype for Business Web App.

Voice (Telephony) support

This table covers features related to voice services support.

Note

Skype for Business Voice (Telephony) features are limited to certain Skype for Business Online subscription plans. For details, see the Skype for Business Online Service Description.

Feature/capabilitySkype for Business 2015 or 2016 clientSkype for Business on MacLync 2013 clientLync Windows Store appLync 2010Lync 2010 AttendantLync Phone EditionCommunicator for Mac 2011Lync for Mac 2011
Initiate a call
Click to call a contact
Transfer a call
Manage call forwarding✔ ❶
Manage team call settings✔ ❶
Manage delegates✔Requires Skype for Business Server 2015 CU4 or later✔ ❶
Initiate a call to a Response Group✔ ❶
Support emergency services (E-911)✔Requires Skype for Business Server 2015 CU6 or later✔ ❶
IM notification to SIP URI(s) for E-911 call
IM notification to distribution list for E-911 call
Connect to voice mail, set up or change greeting✔ ❶
Missed call notification✔ ❶
Make calls on behalf of another contact (manager/delegate scenario)✔ ❶
Handle another's calls if configured as a delegate✔ ❶
Manage a high volumes of calls
Call park✔ ❶
Group call pickup✔ ❶
Location-based routing
Manage Response Group/Team call group
Answer Auto attendant call

❶ This feature isn't available in Skype for Business Online.

External users support

This table covers features related to support for external users homed on the PSTN.

Feature/capabilitySkype for Business 2015 or 2016 clientSkype for Business on MacLync 2013 clientLync Windows Store appLync 2010Lync 2010 AttendantLync Phone EditionCommunicator for Mac 2011Lync for Mac 2011
Initiate IM with a public contact
Initiate IM with a federated contact
Conduct two-party or multiparty calls with external users
(not available in Skype for Business Online)

Recording support

This table covers features related to support for recording meetings.

Future/capability**Skype for Business 2015 or 2016 clientSkype for Business on MacLync 2013 clientLync Windows Store appLync 2010Lync 2010 AttendantLync Phone EditionCommunicator for Mac 2011Lync for Mac 2011
Client-side recording of audio, video, application sharing, desktop sharing, and uploaded content✔ ❶✔ ❶
Client-side recording of file transfers, shared OneNote pages, and PowerPoint annotations✔ ❷✔ ❷
Select preferred recording resolution

❶ Recording is unavailable in certain Skype for Business Online standalone plans. Recording requires full Skype for Business client rights.

❷ Recording of file transfers, shared OneNote pages, and PowerPoint annotations is unavailable in Skype for Business Online.

Modern Authentication

This table covers features requiring support for modern authentication.

Modern authentication also requires a topology described in Skype for Business topologies supported with Modern Authentication.

Feature/capabilitySkype for Business 2015 or 2016 clientSkype for Business on MacLync 2013 clientLync Windows Store appLync 2010Lync 2010 AttendantLync Phone EditionCommunicator for Mac 2011Lync for Mac 2011
Modern Authentication
Multi-factor Authentication
Cert -Based Authentication✔(Domain-joined device only)✔(Domain-joined device only)
Kerberos Authentication

Archiving, compliance, and logging support

This table covers features related to support for archiving and logging functions.

Feature/capabilitySkype for Business 2015 or 2016 clientSkype for Business on MacLync 2013 clientLync Windows Store appLync 2010Lync 2010 AttendantLync Phone EditionCommunicator for Mac 2011Lync for Mac 2011
Archiving of IM conversations in Outlook Conversation History✔ ❶✔If server side conversation history is enabled✔ ❶✔ ❶Saved in Communicator for MacSaved in Lync for Mac
Client-side archiving of audio, video, application sharing, desktop sharing, and uploaded content✔ ❶✔ ❶
Client-side archiving of file transfers, shared OneNote pages, and PowerPoint annotations
(unavailable in Skype for Business Online)
Access sign-in logs from Skype for Business icon in the task bar
Speaker or gallery view on mac skype for business quit unexpectedly

❶ For Skype for Business Online users, this feature requires Exchange Online and is controlled by the user's Exchange mailbox In-Place Hold attribute.

Client limitations

Basic client limitations

The features below are available using the Full client and are not available with the Basic client:

  • Manage team call settings
  • Manage delegates
  • Handle another's calls if configured as a delegate
  • Manage a high volume of calls
  • Initiate a call to a Response Group
  • Call park
  • Change greeting
  • Group call pickup
  • Missed call notification emails are not generated when a user status is UM disabled and they are using a legacy Outlook Client (2013 or earlier)

Online or Hybrid user account limitations

User accounts can exist either Online or On-premises, and that will affect the features available to that user. Users with accounts on Skype for Business Online will not have access to the following features, even with the Full client:

  • Enhanced Presence: Use a photo from any public site for My Picture
  • Contacts: Search for Response Groups
  • IM Support: Persistent Chat (Group Chat) integration
  • IM Support: Escalate a Persistent Chat room to a Skype for Business Meeting with one click
  • External Users: Conduct two-party or multiparty calls with external users

See also

Want to learn how to use Skype for Business?

The current global pandemic has forced many businesses to go remote — but that comes with tons of communication challenges!

Luckily, Microsoft’s Skype for Business is a popular video conferencing tool that can help you overcome that. But if you don’t know how to use it properly, your communication issues are only going to get worse.

Don’t worry!

Speaker

This article is a step-by-step guide on how to use Skype for Business the right way.

However, as Microsoft will be replacing Skype for Business with Microsoft Teams, support for Skype for Business will end by 2025. Additionally, new Office 365 users can’t download Skype for Business anymore — they should download Teams instead.

To help you with this transition, we’ll briefly cover how to get started with Teams as well.

This article contains:

(Click on the links below to jump to a specific section)

Let’s get started.

What is Skype for Business?

Skype for Business (previously known as Microsoft Lync) is a popular communication platform developed by Microsoft. It supports remote communication through various channels like text, audio and video chat.

Key features of Skype for Business include:

  • Instant messaging
  • HD video conferencing
  • Voice calls
  • Call recording
  • File sharing
  • Whiteboard collaboration
  • Broadcasting online meetings

How is Skype for Business different from Skype?

Skype for Business and Skype are both used for virtual communication.

So how are they different from each other?

Here’s how:

  • Skype: Meant for small businesses (~20 people). It’s free to use, but if you want services like mobile or landline calls, then you would have to go for the paid plans.
  • Skype for Business: Meant for larger businesses (~250 people). It offers enterprise-level security, account management and integrates with other Office 365 applications like Microsoft Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, etc.

How to use Skype for Business [Step-by-Step Guide]

As Microsoft Teams is replacing Skype for Business, new Office 365 users can no longer download Skype for Business.

This section is only meant for those who have already downloaded Skype for Business as a virtual communication tool.

Skype for Business has two versions:

Skype for Business Server

An on-premise application used by highly regulated large organizations. It requires specialized hardware and dedicated IT support and maintenance.

Skype for Business Online

A cloud-based application that can be accessed by users anytime, anywhere! There are no additional hardware or maintenance costs here.

As COVID-19 quarantines have forced most teams to work remotely, we’ll focus on how to use Skype for Business Online.

This step-by-step guide covers how to:

  • Get started with Skype for Business
  • Use it for video conferencing
  • Use it for scheduling meetings
  • Use it for audio or video calling
  • Use it for screen sharing
  • Use it for instant messaging

A. How to get started with Skype for Business

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started with some basic features of Skype for Business:

1. How to set a presence status in Skype for Business

Setting an availability status makes it easier for team members and business clients to communicate efficiently.

Skype for Business lets you display your availability (or presence) with various statuses like Available, Busy, Away, etc.

Here’s how you can add or edit these:

Step 1: Sign in to your Skype for Business account.

Step 2: In the new window that appears, click on the drop-down arrow in the status menu under your name.

Here, you can choose from a list of status options, like:

  • Available: online and active.
  • Busy: shouldn’t be interrupted.
  • Away: logged on, but away from the computer for a long time.
  • And more!

You can also use “Reset Status” for Skype to automatically set your presence status based on your app activity. (On Mac, use the “Automatic” option instead.)

As Skype for Business Online integrates with your Microsoft Outlook account, you can even check your colleagues’ presence statuses or edit your own status via email.

Note: If there’s no keyboard or mouse activity for over 5 minutes, then your status automatically changes to “Inactive”.

2. How to set up contacts in Skype for Business

Skype for Business lets you add people to your contact list from within and outside your organization.

Here’s how to add contacts on Skype for Business:

Step 1: Click on the “Add a contact” icon to access various options to add contacts. The “Create New Group” option lets you create groups that you can add your contacts to.

Step 2: To add people, type their name into the search box in the main Skype for Business window.

Step 3: Right-click on their picture, select “Add to Contacts List” and choose the right contact group.
Now you’re all set to communicate with your contact list!

B. How to use Skype for Business for Video Conferencing

Skype for Business’ video conferencing features combat the lack of face-to-face interaction when working remotely.

But video calls aren’t all you can do.

Skype for Business users can share their screen with attendees during a call or even conduct a webinar easily.

Here are the steps to start a video conference in Skype for Business:

Step 1: Launch your Skype for Business application and set your presence status to Available.

Step 2: Go to the “Meetings” tab and click on the “Meet Now” option.

Step 3: The meeting screen will immediately appear as a pop-up. Here, you can add participants by clicking on the “Invite” button at the top right corner.

C. How to schedule a Skype for Business meeting

As Skype for Business Online works with Microsoft Outlook, you can follow these steps to schedule a meeting quickly:

Step 1: Open Microsoft Outlook.

Step 2: Go to the “Appointments” tab.

Step 3: Click “Skype Meeting”.

This will add the call info to the meeting invite.

Fill in the required meeting details and hit “Send.”

The recipients will receive Outlook calendar reminders and a “Join Meeting” pop up when the meeting is about to start. Simply click on it to join the conference call!

D. How to make audio or video calls

Here’s how to make audio or video calls to someone via Skype for Business:

Step 1: To make a call, find the person in your contact list and click the “Audio” or the “Video” icon.

Step 2: When you receive a call on Skype for Business, a pop up offering various call settings appears.

These include:

  • Mute (Microphone icon): Your microphone is muted.
  • Video on/off (Camera icon): Click on this to turn your webcam on or off.
  • Options (three dots): A list of additional options appear:
    • Conduct an audio call only.
    • Respond with an instant message only.
    • Set your status to “Do not disturb” and reject the incoming call.
View

E. How to share your screen during Skype for Business calls

Let’s say you need to discuss that PowerPoint presentation you made last night with another individual. Or maybe show someone how to perform a specific task.

How do you do that virtually?

As a presenter, you can easily share your screen via Skype for Business for this.

Here’s a closer look at how:

Step 1: Click on the “Present” icon (shaped like a monitor) in the meeting window.

This will open a pop-up, giving you several options to share your screen:

  • Present Desktop: Share your entire screen.
  • Present Programs: Share an open Word or Excel file.

Step 2: When you share your screen, the “Now Presenting” tab will appear on your device.

Additionally, your presence status will auto-change to “Presentation” to restrict other Skype users’ alerts.

Step 3: Each participant will receive a request to accept your shared screen/content.

If you want another attendee to demonstrate something, you can give them control over the sharing session by clicking “Give Control”. You can click on “Take back control” to revoke these access rights anytime you want.

Step 4: Use “Stop Presenting” to stop sharing your screen.

F. How to use Skype for Business for instant messaging

Skype for Business lets you communicate with your contacts list in real-time via instant messaging (IM). This is faster than a phone call and less formal than an email.

Here’s how to do this:

Step 1: Hover over the contact you want to start IM with and click the “Message” icon (shown below). Their chat box will appear, where you can start a real-time conversation instantly.

Step 2: When someone starts an IM conversation with you, a pop up appears on your screen.

To respond, click on their photo and type in your message.

To reject the message, click “Ignore.”

Step 4: You can add more people to your IM conversation window by dragging their contact picture into your IM conversation. Alternatively, click the “Invite More People” button at the top of the window to do this.

Step 5: To send an IM to all the contacts in a group, right-click on the group in your contact list and click on “Send an Instant Message” to deliver the message to all group members.

How to transition to Microsoft Teams

Whether you’re using Skype for Business or not, it’s best to switch to Microsoft Teams as early as possible.

This way, you won’t face any difficulties when Skype for Business is rolled back!

To help you out, we’ll briefly cover how to get started with Microsoft Teams.

Note: You can check out our extensive guide on Microsoft Teams for more information.

A. What is Microsoft Teams?

Microsoft Teams is an online communication platform that’s part of the Microsoft Office 365 suite.

Meant for larger businesses (>250 people), it lets you host large audio or video conferences with individuals within or outside your company.

Key Features of Microsoft Teams:

  • Centralised hub for all Office 365 applications
  • Enhanced security and compliance
  • File creation, sharing and editing within the application
  • Can be accessed easily via desktop, a mobile device or web browser
  • Audio and video calls (with VoIP support)
  • Instant messaging (IM)

B. How to get started with Microsoft Teams? [Step-by-Step Guide]

Follow this step-by-step guide to get started with Microsoft Teams:

1. Create an Account

A) For desktop

Step 1: Visit the Microsoft Teams web page and click on “Sign in.”

Step 2: Click the “Create one!” tab on the new “Sign in” page.

Step 3: Type your work email address into the “Create account” window and click on “Next.”

Step 4: Create your password and then enter the required details on the pages that follow.

After creating your account and verifying your email, you can start using Microsoft Teams via its homepage.

B) For mobile

Follow the steps above to create your Microsoft account via mobile phone.

2. Download the Microsoft Teams app

A) For desktop

Step 1:Visit the Microsoft Teams homepage and click on “Download Teams.”

Step 2: Click on “Download for Desktop.”

Based on your operating system, you will get a download link for either Mac or Windows.

Step 3: Once downloaded, follow the on-screen instructions to install Microsoft Teams.

B) Mobile version

Step 1: Based on your phone, you can download the Microsoft Teams app from the Google Play Store for Android or the iOS App Store for Apple.

Step 2: After installing the app, log in to Teams via your Microsoft account.

C. Microsoft Teams pricing

Microsoft Teams offers four different plans that you can choose from as per your business needs:

1. Microsoft Teams (Free)

Offers features like instant messaging, audio and video call, file sharing and file storage.

2. Microsoft 365 Business Basic: $5/user per month

Offers all “Free” features along with video conferencing (up to 250 people).

3. Microsoft 365 Business Standard: $12.50/user per month

Offers “Microsoft Teams Business Basic” features + desktop versions of Office apps like Excel, Word, etc.

4. Office 365 E3: $20/user per month

Includes “Business Standard” features + unlimited file storage per user on OneDrive + enterprise-level video service to hold video conferences across the organization for $20.00 user/month.

Conclusion

With COVID-19 disrupting businesses everywhere, having a remote communication tool is now more essential than ever.

And while Microsoft Skype for Business is a good option to collaborate with your co-workers, it doesn’t look like it’s going to be there for the long run. That’s why it makes sense to switch to other platforms like Microsoft Teams or Zoom instead!

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