Microsoft to End Skype, Launch Free Teams Version in May

Microsoft has officially announced its decision to discontinue Skype in May and replace it with a free version of Microsoft Teams. This shift comes amid the growing dominance of platforms like WhatsApp, Zoom, FaceTime, and Messenger in the realm of voice over IP (VoIP) communication, rendering traditional phone calls via apps such as Skype largely obsolete.

According to reports from The Verge, existing Skype users will seamlessly transition to the Microsoft Teams app, where their message history, contacts, and other content will remain intact without requiring a new account. However, Microsoft plans to gradually phase out domestic and international call support. Users still have the option to export their Skype data, including photos and chat histories, using a tool provided by Microsoft for those wishing to retain their Skype content.

The deadline for making this transition is May 5th, giving users a 60-day window to decide. Microsoft has assured that existing Skype credits will continue to be honored, though new users will no longer have access to paid Skype features allowing domestic or international calls.

While the end of Skype marks the loss of the ability to make calls directly to cellphones, Microsoft emphasized that telephony services were more relevant during Skype’s early years when VoIP technology was nascent and mobile data plans were costly. Looking ahead, Microsoft aims to focus its resources on Microsoft Teams, particularly for consumer applications.

Acquired by Microsoft in 2011 for $8.5 billion, Skype was initially seen as a strategic move to enhance real-time video and voice communication capabilities, catering to its then 160-million-strong user base. At its peak, Skype became integral to Windows devices and even served as a feature highlight for Xbox consoles. However, Microsoft acknowledges that Skype’s user engagement has plateaued in recent years, prompting the pivot toward Microsoft Teams as its primary communication platform.