Slack vs. Skype

Unicorn-grade group messaging tool Slack has turned on a voice calling feature in its titular client.

The addition means members of Slack groups can now click a phone icon to initiate an actual conversation with colleagues. The cross-platform features lets conversations start and end on any device for which Slack offers a client app.

Adding voice brings Slack closer to feature-equality with other voice-enabled collaboration tools, such as Microsoft's Skype for Business. There's no sign that Slack intends to make its apps capable of popping calls out into wired or mobile phone networks, ensuring it retains a focus on office productivity rather than competing with conventional telephony. ®