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Skype Shutting Down After 23 Years
Skype, the app that pioneered internet calls 23 years ago, will be officially retired by Microsoft on May 5. Microsoft, which purchased Skype 14 years ago, is shifting its focus to its Teams app and has given users 10 weeks to decide what to do with their Skype accounts.
Falling User Numbers and Microsoft's Focus on Teams
At its peak, Skype had 300 million users, but by 2023, that number dropped to 36 million. Microsoft aims to focus all its efforts on Teams, which has seen significant growth, especially after the pandemic. Teams combines video, chat, and collaboration features, making it a preferred tool for communication.
Transition Options for Skype Users
Skype users can move their contacts and chat history to Microsoft Teams before May 5, or they can download their data. Teams Free, the suggested alternative to Skype, offers new features but lacks some of Skype's key functions, like phone-call capabilities. Users with Skype credit will still be able to use it for a limited time.
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Impact and Future Outlook
Microsoft will keep user data until the end of 2025 if no action is taken. With the growing popularity of Teams and changing consumer behavior, Microsoft believes now is the right time to retire Skype, signaling a shift toward a more integrated communication platform.