Microsoft has officially announced its decision to discontinue Skype by May, opting instead to introduce a free version of Microsoft Teams. This move comes as other platforms like WhatsApp, Zoom, FaceTime, and Messenger have taken the lead in voice over IP (VoIP) communications, relegating traditional Skype-to-phone calls to the annals of history.
According to The Verge, existing Skype users will find a seamless transition to Microsoft Teams, where they can access all their previous Skype data, including message history and contacts, without needing to set up a new account. However, Microsoft plans to eliminate the support for domestic and international calls, a feature that was once a hallmark of Skype.
For those not interested in switching to Teams, Microsoft offers a tool to export Skype data, such as photos and conversation history, allowing users to retain their records. Users have until May 5 to make their decision, as Skype will go offline on that date. Microsoft assures that existing Skype credits will be honored, but new customers will no longer have access to paid Skype features that enable international and domestic calls.
The primary loss with Skype's shutdown is the ability to make calls to cellphones. Microsoft's Amit Fulay, vice president of product, explained to The Verge that while telephony was valuable during Skype's peak, its relevance has diminished. "Part of the reason is we look at the usage and the trends, and this functionality was great at the time when voice over IP (VoIP) wasn’t available and mobile data plans were very expensive," Fulay stated. "If we look at the future, that’s not a thing we want to be in."
Microsoft acquired Skype for $8.5 billion in 2011, aiming to enhance its focus on real-time video and voice communications and tap into Skype's 160 million active users. Skype once played a significant role across Windows devices and was even promoted as a feature for Xbox consoles. However, Microsoft acknowledges that Skype's user base has stagnated in recent years, shifting their focus towards Microsoft Teams for consumer use.
