Skype, the popular video conferencing platform, has been a staple in the world of online communication for over two decades. However, with the rise of newer, more feature-rich platforms, many users are left wondering if regular Skype is going away. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of Skype, its evolution, and what the future holds for this beloved platform.
A Brief History of Skype
Skype was first launched in 2003 by Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis, two entrepreneurs from Sweden and Denmark, respectively. The platform quickly gained popularity due to its ease of use, high-quality video and audio, and free calling features. In 2011, Microsoft acquired Skype for $8.5 billion, further expanding its user base and integrating it with other Microsoft products.
Skype’s Evolution
Over the years, Skype has undergone significant changes, with new features and updates being added regularly. Some notable updates include:
- Skype for Business: In 2015, Microsoft launched Skype for Business, a more advanced version of the platform designed for enterprise users. This version included features such as integration with Microsoft Office, advanced security, and better collaboration tools.
- Skype Translator: In 2015, Skype introduced Skype Translator, a feature that allowed users to communicate with others in different languages in real-time.
- Skype Lite: In 2017, Microsoft launched Skype Lite, a lighter version of the platform designed for low-bandwidth connections and older devices.
The Rise of Newer Platforms
In recent years, newer video conferencing platforms have emerged, offering more features and better performance. Some of these platforms include:
- Zoom: Launched in 2013, Zoom has quickly become a popular choice for video conferencing due to its high-quality video, ease of use, and robust features.
- Google Meet: Launched in 2017, Google Meet is a video conferencing platform designed for enterprise users. It offers features such as integration with Google Calendar, advanced security, and better collaboration tools.
- Microsoft Teams: Launched in 2017, Microsoft Teams is a communication and collaboration platform that includes video conferencing features. It offers integration with Microsoft Office, advanced security, and better collaboration tools.
Is Regular Skype Going Away?
So, is regular Skype going away? The answer is not a simple yes or no. While Microsoft has not officially announced the end of regular Skype, it’s clear that the company is shifting its focus towards newer platforms, such as Microsoft Teams.
In 2020, Microsoft announced that it would be phasing out Skype for Business and replacing it with Microsoft Teams. This move was seen as a sign that Microsoft was moving away from Skype and towards newer platforms.
However, regular Skype is still available for download and use, and Microsoft continues to update the platform with new features and security patches.
What Does the Future Hold for Skype?
So, what does the future hold for Skype? While it’s unclear what Microsoft’s long-term plans are for the platform, it’s likely that Skype will continue to exist in some form.
One possibility is that Skype will become a more consumer-focused platform, with features and updates designed for personal use rather than enterprise use. This could include features such as improved video quality, better mobile apps, and more social features.
Another possibility is that Skype will be integrated into Microsoft Teams, allowing users to access Skype features from within the Teams platform. This could include features such as video conferencing, screen sharing, and file transfer.
What Should You Do?
If you’re a regular Skype user, you may be wondering what you should do. Here are a few options:
- Continue using Skype: If you’re happy with Skype and don’t need the advanced features of newer platforms, you can continue using it.
- Try Microsoft Teams: If you’re an enterprise user or need more advanced features, you may want to try Microsoft Teams.
- Explore other options: If you’re not happy with Skype or Microsoft Teams, you may want to explore other video conferencing platforms, such as Zoom or Google Meet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while regular Skype may not be going away entirely, it’s clear that Microsoft is shifting its focus towards newer platforms. Whether you’re a consumer or enterprise user, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest developments and updates to Skype and other video conferencing platforms.
By understanding the history and evolution of Skype, as well as the rise of newer platforms, you can make informed decisions about which platform is best for your needs.
| Platform | Features | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Skype | Video conferencing, screen sharing, file transfer | Free (personal use), $5/user/month (business use) |
| Microsoft Teams | Video conferencing, screen sharing, file transfer, integration with Microsoft Office | $5/user/month (business use) |
| Zoom | Video conferencing, screen sharing, file transfer, virtual events | Free (personal use), $14.99/host/month (business use) |
| Google Meet | Video conferencing, screen sharing, file transfer, integration with Google Calendar | $6/user/month (business use) |
Note: Pricing may vary depending on the country and region.
Is Regular Skype Going Away?
Regular Skype is not going away completely, but it is being phased out in favor of Skype for Business and Skype for Personal use. Microsoft has announced that it will be discontinuing the classic Skype application and replacing it with the new Skype 8.0 version. This change is aimed at providing a more streamlined and user-friendly experience for users.
The new Skype 8.0 version offers many of the same features as the classic Skype application, including video conferencing, screen sharing, and instant messaging. However, it also includes some new features, such as a more modern interface and improved performance. Users who are currently using the classic Skype application will be able to continue using it for a limited time, but they will eventually need to upgrade to the new version.
What is Skype for Business?
Skype for Business is a version of Skype that is designed specifically for business use. It offers many of the same features as the classic Skype application, but it also includes some additional features that are specifically designed for business use, such as integration with Microsoft Office and the ability to conduct large-scale meetings.
Skype for Business is designed to provide a more professional and secure way for businesses to communicate with each other. It offers advanced features such as encryption and authentication, which help to ensure that communications are secure and private. Skype for Business is available as a standalone application, or it can be integrated with other Microsoft products, such as Microsoft Teams.
What is Skype for Personal Use?
Skype for Personal use is a version of Skype that is designed specifically for personal use. It offers many of the same features as the classic Skype application, including video conferencing, screen sharing, and instant messaging. However, it does not include some of the advanced features that are available in Skype for Business, such as integration with Microsoft Office.
Skype for Personal use is designed to provide a simple and easy-to-use way for individuals to communicate with each other. It is available as a free download, and it can be used on a variety of devices, including desktop computers, laptops, and mobile devices. Skype for Personal use is a great option for individuals who want to stay in touch with friends and family, or for small businesses that do not need the advanced features of Skype for Business.
Will I Still be Able to Use My Skype Account?
Yes, you will still be able to use your Skype account, even after the classic Skype application is discontinued. Your account will be automatically upgraded to the new Skype 8.0 version, and you will be able to continue using it to communicate with others.
You will not need to create a new account or change your login information. Your existing account will continue to work, and you will be able to access all of your contacts and conversation history. However, you may need to upgrade to the new Skype 8.0 version in order to continue using some of the advanced features.
What Happens to My Contacts and Conversation History?
Your contacts and conversation history will be preserved, even after the classic Skype application is discontinued. When you upgrade to the new Skype 8.0 version, all of your contacts and conversation history will be automatically transferred to the new version.
You will be able to access all of your contacts and conversation history from the new Skype 8.0 version, just as you did from the classic Skype application. You will not need to recreate your contacts or re-enter any of your conversation history. Everything will be automatically transferred to the new version, so you can continue using Skype without interruption.
How Do I Upgrade to the New Skype 8.0 Version?
Upgrading to the new Skype 8.0 version is a simple process. You can download the new version from the Skype website, or you can upgrade from within the classic Skype application. When you upgrade, all of your contacts and conversation history will be automatically transferred to the new version.
To upgrade, simply click on the “Upgrade” button in the classic Skype application, or download the new version from the Skype website. Follow the prompts to install the new version, and you will be up and running in just a few minutes. The upgrade process is quick and easy, and you will be able to continue using Skype without interruption.