It seems like Microsoft is pulling the plug on Skype this May, closing the curtain on a two-decade run for the once-dominant communication tool. The news comes from an exclusive report by XDA Developers, which spotted a message in the latest Skype preview build urging users to switch to Microsoft Teams. After years of uncertainty, the final countdown for Skype has officially begun.
The warning inside the app is straightforward. “Starting in May, Skype will no longer be available,” it reads, nudging people to continue calls and chats on Teams. Microsoft hasn’t shared formal details yet, but the writing has been on the wall. The company has slowly shifted focus to Teams since its 2017 launch. It has already been positioned as an all-in-one hub for work and personal use.
Skype’s been around since 2003, back when video calls were a big deal, and it was the app everyone turned to. Microsoft scooped it up in 2011 and tried to make it a key part of Windows. They even plugged it into Windows 10 in 2015, but that didn’t last long. Just nine months later, they pulled it out. Over the years, Microsoft played around with Skype, splitting it into separate apps for messaging, video, and calls. Those didn’t stick either. Then came a universal app push, only for them to swing back to the old desktop version.
Meanwhile, Skype was losing ground. Apple’s FaceTime took off, Google kept throwing out new chat apps, and Microsoft’s own Windows Phone flopped hard (I’m still salty about that). And now, even the WP Store has been taken offline. With all these setbacks, Skype just couldn’t keep up.
Longtime Skype users might feel a pang of nostalgia. The service pioneered internet calling, letting people connect globally for free during a time when paid long-distance calls were the norm. Come May, Skype’s shutdown will leave many who still use Skype scrambling to adjust. While Teams offers similar features, the transition won’t be seamless for everyone.
Older users or those in regions with spotty internet access could face hurdles. Microsoft hasn’t clarified if chat histories or contacts will transfer automatically, leaving questions unanswered. But let’s hope an official statement or blog post is upcoming to clarify exactly how this transfer will be taking place.
We’ll keep track of the situation and will post an update if and when there are any further developments.
Dwayne Cubbins
735 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
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