Microsoft is formally retiring Skype on Might 5, ending the app’s two-decade run as a pioneer in video calling. The transfer alerts Microsoft’s full shift towards Groups, its all-in-one messaging and video platform.
“At this level, placing all our focus behind Groups will allow us to give a less complicated message and drive sooner innovation,” Microsoft 365 collaborative apps and platforms President Jeff Teper instructed TechCrunch.
Skype service will finish on Might 5
An XDA Developers reader first noticed a string of code inside Skype in Home windows preview displaying a message about migration. The message says “Beginning in Might, Skype will now not be out there. Proceed your calls and chats in Groups.”
Microsoft confirmed the Skype shutdown in an official weblog on Friday. “With Groups, customers have entry to most of the identical core options they use in Skype, comparable to one-on-one calls and group calls, messaging, and file sharing,” Teper wrote. “Moreover, Groups gives enhanced options like internet hosting conferences, managing calendars, and constructing and becoming a member of communities free of charge.”
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Skype struggled to discover a place subsequent to Groups
As soon as a dominant drive in video communication, Skype has struggled to compete in a market now led by Zoom, Google Meet, and FaceTime. Regardless of seeing some progress through the 2020 lockdowns, Skype’s person base dwindled to 36 million by 2023, whereas Microsoft Groups surged to 320 million customers.
Microsoft provided a Skype for Enterprise tier from 2015 to 2021; after 2021, it prioritized Groups as each a messaging and video answer on Home windows 11.
The best way to transition from Skype to Groups
Within the coming days, Skype customers will have the ability to register to Groups utilizing their present Skype credentials. Members of the Groups and Skype Insider packages could make the swap instantly, with all Skype chats and contacts robotically showing in Groups.
Between now and Might, Groups and Skype customers will have the ability to name and chat throughout platforms.
Skype information (chats, contacts, and name historical past) could be exported manually if the person desires to hold on to it as a substitute of shifting it to Groups. Nonetheless, Skype Credit score and worldwide calling subscriptions are now not out there. Current Skype subscriptions will stay lively till their subsequent renewal date.
The Skype Dial Pad will keep on-line for paid customers, residing throughout the Skype internet portal and in Groups.