Fri, 28 Feb 2025

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 Microsoft announces Skype will close in May

The internet chat and phone service, which is owned by Microsoft, made the announcement on X.

* Skype, a video-calling service with hundreds of millions of users, will be closing in May.
* Microsoft, its owner, has announced that users can sign in to Microsoft Teams with their Skype account to stay connected.
* Skype was first released in 2003 and was bought by Microsoft in 2011 for $8.5bn (£6.1bn).
* Users have shared memories of using Skype for video calls and the impact it had on their lives, including long-distance relationships and staying in touch with friends and family.
* Despite its popularity, Skype's user base has been declining as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger grew in popularity.
* Microsoft redesigned Skype in 2017, but the update was met with criticism from users.
* The closure of Skype is part of Microsoft's plan to streamline its free services and focus on Teams.
* Users have a choice to move over to Teams or export their Skype data, including chats, contacts, and call history.
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