Earlier at present, information emerged about Microsoft killing Skype. Insider the app’s code, customers found a message stating that the platform can be retired in a few months. Now, simply a number of hours later, we’ve an official affirmation from Microsoft: Skype is lifeless.

Microsoft revealed a weblog put up on the official web site the place it acknowledged the rumors:

In an effort to streamline our free shopper communications choices so we will extra simply adapt to buyer wants, we can be retiring Skype in Might 2025 to deal with Microsoft Groups (free), our trendy communications and collaboration hub. 

Though the writing has been on the wall for fairly some time, it’s nonetheless unhappy to see Skype going away. For a few years, it was the go-to service for voice and video calls and immediate messages. Nevertheless, Microsoft didn’t hold Skype up with the instances. Regardless of a number of makes an attempt to make Skype cool and hip, the platform saved declining, and it was unable to compete with Zoom, FaceTime, Google Meet, and different, extra well-liked companies.

Now, Microsoft recommends switching from Skype to Groups, which provides the identical options plus much more. In a couple of days, Groups will obtain an replace to let Skype customers check in with their profiles and switch their chats, contacts, and different information. Additionally, through the transition interval, Microsoft will let Skype and Groups customers discuss to one another in messages and calls.

If you don’t want to maneuver to Groups, you’ll be able to export your Skype information, however be sure to take action earlier than Might 5, 2025.

Paid customers can proceed utilizing paid options past Might 5, 2025, till the top of their present interval. The Skype Dial Pad can be obtainable within the Skype internet portal and Microsoft Groups.

You possibly can learn extra in regards to the upcoming finish of Skype right here.