Lync for Apple and Android Phones Enhanced

Lync 2013 Mobile app updates, released in July 2013, expand on existing functionality of presence awareness and instant messaging (IM) to include voice and video calling over IP networks on Apple iPhones and Android phones, and Lync meeting content viewing on iPhones. The enhancements bring the capabilities of the Lync for iPhone app to parity with the Lync for iPad app and closer to those of the desktop client. However, the apps require an upgrade to Lync Server 2013 (on-premises or hosted), and the Lync for Android app does not support all Android phone models.

Voice, Video Calling Over IP

Previous Lync apps for iPhones and Android-based phones did not offer voice and video calling over IP. The new capabilities could reduce user dependency on Lync desktop clients and allow greater mobility.

Connectivity for voice and video over IP can be established through a phone’s Wi-Fi or cellular data connection. Using a Wi-Fi connection can cut costs compared to using phone network voice minutes or cellular data. The Lync Mobile apps can be configured through the Lync Server policy or the phone app to require Wi-Fi for voice, video, and content viewing, which can help to reduce inadvertent cellular data costs, especially for roaming international users.