Microsoft has announced that it will shut down its popular video calling service, Skype, and instead focus on its conference call service, Microsoft Teams. The company cited a desire to simplify its free consumer communications offerings and innovate behind its leading collaboration tool.
Skype was first released in 2003 and played a significant role in making video and voice-over-IP calling mainstream. However, as consumers shifted to mobile minutes or other video-calling solutions, Skype’s usage declined. Microsoft introduced Teams in 2017 as a hub for communication and collaboration with chats, calls, and file-sharing.
The company says that Teams now has four times the meeting minutes of consumer calls compared to two years ago. This increased adoption led Microsoft to validate its decision to focus on Teams, adding features like emojis and filters.
Customers will have access to Skype’s core features, such as one-on-one and group calls, messaging, and file-sharing, through its free Teams option. Users can export their data to retain their call logs and chats or upgrade to Teams via the free offering.
Analysts predict that this move marks the end of an era for Skype, with some likening it to the rotary phone of communications. While Microsoft’s decision may be a surprise to some, it aligns with the company’s history of phasing out older technologies.
Source: https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/microsoft-to-shut-down-skype-farewell-to-the-rotary-phone-of-communications