Skype is officially shutting down. Microsoft has confirmed that the iconic 22-year-old video calling app will cease operations on May 5, marking the end of an era. Post-closure, Microsoft Teams will be the sole official video calling solution offered by the tech giant.
To facilitate a smooth transition, Microsoft is launching a service that enables Skype users to log into Teams with their existing Skype accounts. This process will automatically transfer users’ chats to Teams. Additionally, Skype users can export all their data for personal use before the shutdown.
Skype was once the go-to app for video calling, similar to how “FaceTime” and “Zoom” dominate today’s market. Launched in 2003, Skype quickly rose to prominence, facing multiple acquisitions before becoming a part of Microsoft in 2011. However, the rise of competitors like FaceTime and Zoom has overshadowed Skype, leading to its decline.
Skype users have until early May to manage their accounts and data, as they bid farewell to a long-standing communication tool that shaped the online video calling landscape.
