Summary
Skype, a popular video call service that played a unique role in people's lives, will stop providing most services on May 5, retaining only the Skype for Business feature. Since its launch in 2003, the platform was instrumental in enabling free computer-to-computer calls and affordable calls to global landlines and mobiles. However, its prominence has waned with Microsoft’s increased focus on Teams.
Key Facts
- Skype, a video call service once popular globally, will cease most services by May 5.
- Skype allowed free computer-to-computer calls and affordable calls to landlines and mobiles around the world.
- Microsoft, which owns Skype, has been focusing more on another product, Teams, leading to Skype's reduced prominence.
- Since its inauguration in 2003, Skype has played a significant role in people's personal and professional lives.
- Some users shared their memories of using Skype, including a couple whose relationship was primarily long-distance due to Skype, and a woman from New Zealand who found closure from her husband's death through the service.
- Despite its decrease in popularity, Skype still has some dedicated users, including a woman who used it to keep in touch with her mother across long distances.
- The "Skype for Business" feature will be the only remaining service from Skype after May 5.
