San Francisco: Microsoft-owned web-based calling platform, Skype, now allows US users to call 911 from their PC.
The app can share your location with emergency services if needed.
Skype emergency calling service is now available in Australia, Denmark, Finland and the United Kingdom.
To enable 911 emergency location sharing on Skype, select your profile picture, select Settings, then Privacy.
“Enable 911 emergency location sharing,” Skype said in an update. “You will need to acknowledge notices, disclosures, and a special warning about 911 restrictions and unavailability to complete the process.”
“You can disable 911 emergency location sharing at any time, but this means that your address will not be shared with 911 in the event of an emergency.”
You may also need to allow location sharing from your device’s settings.
Skype warns that the service does not work in the same way as a traditional phone call.
Users are encouraged not to place an emergency call via Skype when they are outside their home region, as the call could be redirected to another location.
Some other features are being rolled out with the Skype 8.80 update, such as the ability to zoom in on a shared screen during a video call.
Microsoft has also made it possible to use custom feedback in Skype for mobile.
You can now record voice messages up to 5 minutes in length, up from the previous 2 minute limit.
“Beer enthusiast. Subtly charming alcohol junkie. Wannabe internet buff. Typical pop culture lover.”