Microsoft has announced that Skype, the once-popular video-calling service with hundreds of millions of users, will shut down in May.
Originally launched in 2003, Skype revolutionized online communication by offering free computer-to-computer voice and video calls. Microsoft acquired the platform in 2011 for $8.5 billion, integrating it into products like Xbox and Windows devices. However, competition from WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger led to a steady decline in its user base.
In a post on X, Skype informed users they could transition to Microsoft Teams while keeping their chats and contacts. Microsoft has not provided further comments.
Many former users have shared nostalgic memories of the service, recalling how it connected them with loved ones across the world. Some described it as groundbreaking before the rise of smartphones and modern messaging apps.
Skype’s downfall accelerated after a 2017 redesign that mimicked Snapchat, frustrating users. By 2021, Microsoft excluded Skype from Windows 11, instead prioritizing Microsoft Teams, which saw a surge in usage during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Microsoft now aims to consolidate its communication tools, shifting focus to Teams, which offers similar features along with additional collaboration tools. Users can migrate to Teams or export their Skype data, while those with paid subscriptions will have access until their next renewal. investigation.
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