So long, Skype: Microsoft to ‘retire’ app in May to focus on Teams
Global News
Microsoft says it's ending service of its Skype platform and will focus more on Teams for consumers, noting that the two offer similar core features.
It’s the end of an era in video chat as Microsoft announced Friday it will be “retiring” its Skype platform in May in favour of focusing on Teams.
The platform, which has been in service since 2003, is best known for its video chats, videoconference abilities and voice calls, in addition to instant messaging, file transfer and debit-based calls to both landline and mobile telephones.
But Microsoft says it’s trying to streamline its free consumer communications offerings “so we can more easily adapt to customer needs.”
Skype will stay available until May 5.
Now, the focus is on Microsoft Teams, the application used by many companies for group calls, meetings, file sharing and workspace chat — several functions the company highlights that Skype offered as well.
“Hundreds of millions of people already use Teams as their hub for teamwork, helping them stay connected and engaged at work, school, and at home,” Jeff Teper, Microsoft’s president of collaborative apps and platforms, said in a post.
Microsoft bought Skype in 2011 and used it to replace its Windows Live Messenger. According to a company blog post in February 2023, there were more than 36 million people using the application per day.
The company then developed its Microsoft 365 product line and released the Teams application in 2017. Desk365.io reported in August 2024 that Teams reached 320 million monthly active users early that year.
After experiencing seizures every other week, Christine Kauzen has been seizure-free for months since receiving a rare epilepsy treatment.
"Through this historic agreement, BC residents will receive public coverage for a range of contraceptives and diabetes medications at little to no cost."
Tiny lab mice just got a mammoth-sized upgrade — genetic tweaks have given them thick, woolly fur, bringing science one step closer to reviving traits of extinct species.
Ottawa says it's moving ahead with a plan to label so-called forever chemicals as toxic and expects to begin consultations in two years on further regulating their us.
Oscar Sort has tackled waste diversion by improving recycling rates and reducing operational costs at over 30 universities in North America.
The Alberta Energy Regulator is expected to make a decision on a proposal to explore for coal in the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains by early June.
Toronto Raptors guard-forward Gradey Dick will be out for at least two weeks with bone bruises, the team announced Tuesday.
As measles cases continue to rise in Texas amid an ongoing outbreak, health officials are warning against so-called "measles parties," calling the practice dangerous.
As measles cases continue to rise in Texas amid an ongoing outbreak, health officials are warning against so-called "measles parties," calling the practice dangerous.
As measles cases continue to rise in Texas amid an ongoing outbreak, health officials are warning against so-called "measles parties," calling the practice dangerous.
Earthquakes Canada said the 4.1 magnitude quake on Monday morning was centred around 17 kilometres from Friday Harbour in Washington State.
Hot, dry weather and lack of snow has prompted the city of Lethbridge to issue a fire ban for the Old Man River valley.
After hundreds of Canadians fell ill at a Mexican resort, experts warn that contaminated food and water can lead to serious illnesses.