Microsoft has announced the impending shutdown of Skype, confirming that the popular video conferencing service will cease operations in May 2025. Users are encouraged to transition to Microsoft Teams, the company’s newer communication platform.
Skype has experienced a significant decline in usage since 2020. A hidden message in the HTML code of the Skype for Windows application states, „Starting in May, Skype will no longer be available. Continue your calls and chats in Teams.“ This marks the end of Skype’s two-decade presence in the market.
Launched in 2003, Skype became a leading platform for messaging, video, and audio calls. Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011, integrating it into various services and later attempting to embed it into Windows. However, the rise of Microsoft Teams, introduced in 2017, overshadowed Skype’s relevance. Teams has been promoted as a more versatile communication tool, featuring a user-friendly interface and better device integration.
Skype’s user base dwindled dramatically, dropping to around 36 million monthly users, a stark contrast to Microsoft Teams, which has maintained between 250 to 300 million users since 2020. The decline in Skype’s popularity can be attributed to the emergence of numerous alternatives, including Apple’s FaceTime, WhatsApp, and Discord.
The decision to retire Skype aligns with Microsoft’s strategy to focus on Teams as the primary platform for both casual and professional communication. As the technology landscape evolves, the need for Skype has diminished, leading to its eventual phase-out.
For more details, visit the original article at TechRadar.