Lync 2013

The official Android app for business communications and collaboration.

Unified Business Communication on Mobile

Skype for Business, previously known as Lync 2013, brings communication and collaboration tools to Android devices. Designed for enterprise users already invested in Microsoft’s ecosystem, the app offers instant messaging, voice and video calls, conferences, and meeting features in a dedicated mobile environment.

Core Features and Capabilities

Skype for Business (Lync 2013) enables users to initiate and join group chats or video conversations, manage meetings, view presence information, and access recent conversations. Integration with Office 365 and Active Directory allows secure access and smooth syncing with organizational contacts and calendar events. One-click meeting access aims to save time and reduce friction when joining scheduled conferences.

The app also provides in-meeting controls for muting or removing participants, along with the ability to switch between chat, audio, and video modes. Searching for contacts is efficient, with options to locate colleagues by name, email, or phone number.

Performance and Reliability

While the app’s feature set is comprehensive, user feedback points to persistent reliability challenges. Audio call functions sometimes experience delays, particularly with the mute/unmute feature, and recurring notification sounds can disrupt ongoing meetings. Issues such as missing chat messages—where parts of conversations appear in notifications but not in the app—have also been reported.

Call stability is another concern, with some users experiencing dropped calls or incoming calls being immediately marked as missed despite a strong internet connection. Application crashes have also been cited as an occasional problem, leading to frustration during critical business interactions.

User Experience and Requirements

The interface is consistent with Microsoft’s enterprise suite, providing a familiar environment for existing Office 365 users. However, the app has specific requirements and dependencies, including valid licenses and up-to-date server configurations. Full functionality is only available to users with the necessary Microsoft accounts, which limits usability for those outside of enterprise environments.

Notification management and the clarity of message delivery are areas that could be improved, as even small disruptions can negatively impact workflow during important meetings.

Security and Integration

Strong security measures are incorporated, including support for Active Directory Authentication Library (ADAL), aligning with organizational IT requirements. Integration with the wider Microsoft ecosystem adds value for businesses already using Office 365 or similar platforms.

Conclusion

Skype for Business (Lync 2013) for Android brings a robust set of communication and collaboration tools to mobile users within Microsoft-centric organizations. While the app offers deep feature integration and enterprise-grade security, its reliability and notification handling require attention to ensure consistent productivity.