I use Skype (not often, but I still want it) to call companies in other countries - actual phone calls to landlines around the world. It's great value.
What will I use instead?
What will I use instead?
Microsoft wants you to migrate to their Teams.I use Skype (not often, but I still want it) to call companies in other countries - actual phone calls to landlines around the world. It's great value.
What will I use instead?
you raised a valid point, possible people just like new things, even if they are just repacked old stuff with new names, ux. marketing trends. the question is why MS gave up so easily. was the acquisition even necessary ? could be the worst tech investement ever.I've never really had to use any of them much, thankfully as I hate video calls. But I never understand why Zoom just popped up seemingly out of no where during Covid for all the mainstream people to use instead of the already established Skype. Suddenly then Teams appeared as well.
I don't really understand why they're all the same thing working in the same way - they're equally good/bad as each other. Plus you've got video calling now on every single messaging app, Facetime, Facebook Messenger, Whatsapp, WeChat, Snapchat, probably Instagram somewhere?
Zoom was incredibly lucky in that they had a product that did exactly what people were suddenly looking for when Covid hit, and they executed very quickly, signing deals with companies that needed videoconferencing solutions immediately. Now, though, they are encountering headwinds because Microsoft is bundling Teams (an inferior product) with Office 365 subscriptions. Because Office 365 has overwhelming dominance in the enterprise space, many companies are dropping their Zoom subscriptions to save money.I've never really had to use any of them much, thankfully as I hate video calls. But I never understand why Zoom just popped up seemingly out of no where during Covid for all the mainstream people to use instead of the already established Skype. Suddenly then Teams appeared as well.
I don't really understand why they're all the same thing working in the same way - they're equally good/bad as each other. Plus you've got video calling now on every single messaging app, Facetime, Facebook Messenger, Whatsapp, WeChat, Snapchat, probably Instagram somewhere?
Works for me!
Microsoft today announced that it will officially retire Skype on May 5, 2025, concluding its 14-year tenure as the owner of the once-dominant internet calling and messaging service (via Bloomberg).
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Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011 for $8.5 billion in what was then its largest-ever acquisition. At its peak, Skype had more than 300 million monthly active users and was synonymous with internet-based voice and video calling. The service steadily declined in relevance in recent years, with its active user base shrinking to approximately 36 million by 2023 as competitors such as Zoom, WhatsApp, and Microsoft's own Teams platform gained traction.
Teams has since grown to 320 million monthly users, far surpassing Skype's remaining user base. The company's decision to discontinue Skype is apparently part of a broader effort to prioritize artificial intelligence features within Teams. Employees currently working on Skype will be reassigned to other projects rather than being laid off.
Skype played a key role in popularizing VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology, enabling businesses and individuals to connect around the world with minimal costs. It also served as an early testbed for AI-powered real-time language translation, a feature Microsoft showcased in a widely publicized demonstration in 2014. However, its frequent UI changes, reliability issues, ill-conceived social media-like features, gradual shift toward enterprise, and inability to keep pace with newer competitors, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, ultimately led to its obsolescence.
As Microsoft finalizes the shutdown process, existing Skype users will have until May 5 to migrate their data and contacts to Teams or seek alternative solutions.
Article Link: Skype Is Finally Shutting Down on May 5
I'd be also interested in an alternative suggestion.Can anyone recommend a good alternative VOIP app for making international calls, if Skype shuts down?
Microsoft Teams is developed after purchasing Skype.Big Tech should not be allowed to continually buy up and shut down their competitors.
Already doomed in 2005 when eBay bought it.It was good until Microsoft took over, fact.
I used it a lot since my other part was Asian, worked quite well until the above happened.
WhatsAPP on iOS and desktop?I'd be also interested in an alternative suggestion.
Google Voice is another possible alternative, though I don’t know how good it is.WhatsAPP on iOS and desktop?