Skype might soon be the app that replaces the stock dialer and text message app on your Android smartphone. A new Skype app for Android referred to as Skype Mingo has been spotted. It appears to be in trial stage right now. Mingo is different from the main Skype app because it also doubles as the native calling and text messaging app for an Android smartphone. The app will continue to provide access to Skype’s other features like chat, photo sharing, video calls, voice calls, and more as well.
The Google Play Store listing for Skype Mingo reveals that it’s still in alpha testing phase which means it’s far from ready. A report mentions that Skype is due to bring SMS relay to Android so it’s possible that this app is a test bed for that feature before it’s added to the existing Skype for Android app.
However, it’s interesting to note that Mingo doesn’t feature SMS relay. It actually functions as a default text messaging app so it basically replaces any other dialer and messaging app on an Android smartphone. It does all of that in an app that doesn’t look or feel all that different from the regular Skype app.
Microsoft hasn’t said what it’s planning to do with Skype Mingo and if it’s ever going to be released to the public. A spokesperson for the company only had the following statement: “As part of the ongoing improvements to deliver the best Skype experience possible, we are always innovating and occasionally test out new features and functionality. We have nothing more to share at this time.”