Skype Shuttung Down - May

Looks like Skype is shutting down in May. I certainly did not like the UI and lacked functionality however it is widely used and with many contacts. Next question will be what will be the new platform people will migrate to. Not looking forward to many new alternatives that many may prefer to adopt.

There are many articles. Here are a few.

https://www.xda-developers.com/microsoft-killing-skype/

https://www.windowscentral.com/micro...ars-of-neglect

https://www.ccn.com/news/technology/...on-model-flop/

End of an era, but I don't think it's a huge loss, not for me at least. I think I've used it once in the last five years.

I'm guessing they'll just push everyone over to teams.

Never liked Skype. But since almost all contacts are on Skype, I had to use it.

Thinking now of the surge of users joining Telegram or WhatsApp - from Skype.

WTF ... its by far my main (business) communication tool if at the office.

Best alternatives?

Telegram does work well for me, around a 50/50 Skype/Telegram split currently. But I haven't looked at other alternatives yet

That’s a blow as I use Skype quite a lot for work, I’ll have to look at the alternatives.

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Originally Posted by chaumi

Telegram does work well for me, around a 50/50 Skype/Telegram split currently. But I haven't looked at other alternatives yet

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Yeah, that seems reasonable. Wasnt aware, there is a Mac app too!

Not too surprising given how much it has declined and with them pushing Teams so much. I think the writing was on the wall when they released windows 11 and didn't include it as standard. I mostly just use it for the phone number but there are a few accounts I use skype for where AM's don't respond well on email. I guess I will migrate over to whatever most AM's use going forward

Apparently everything will be migrated to Teams .... just tried it, don't think they are ready, not a good experience so far.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/micr...crosoft-teams/

Yeah! Alone it starts that you get forced to use Italian language version if u are in Italy.
And i hate those browser based stuff.

About time. Completely ruined by Microsoft. The last time I was forced to use it, sound quality was leagues behind Discord.

Not sure if it is just nostalgia, but the last decent messaging product from Microsoft was the MSN Messenger.

It's time for an ICQ-Comeback! :)

I saw some mentions of this a little while ago and chose to think that it is all clickbait, too bad that it isn't. Like many others here, I use Skype daily for all sort of work related comms. And I absolutely hate teams.

Microsoft wants everyone to move to Teams.. I tried it a few years ago and absolutely hated it. Skype has gone downhill in the recent years too (the search feature is slow as heck, and mobile notifications lag behind), but I'd still prefer it 10x over Teams.

WhatsApp is good for personal comms, not for business. Discord is good for communities, not for DMs. Telegram feels like a kid with ADHD. Are there really no good alternatives that play well on desktop?

WhatsApp would be a perfect alternative for me. I don't do much on Telegram yet.

best news of the month!
I can finally ditch that thing :joy:

telegram will do the job just fine

I think Telegram will work for me, but I am open to check out new options, to keep the communication going. :eyebrow:

I use it to make calls to landlines in countries not on my mobile phone tariff. I don't make many of those - but often do so when abroad - and Skype was handy for this. My question is, what other app does this the way that skype did, without a subscription but just with topping up a bit of credit and then using a dial pad?

In fairness Teams will offer this apparently, but not until May. Annoying Skype credit can't be moved to Teams and used for this purpose right now. Microsoft making a meal of this migration. Picked this info up from elsewhere:

"Where can I access the Skype Dial Pad? After May 2025, the Skype Dial Pad will be available to remaining paid users from the Skype web portal and within Teams Free, where you will continue to be able to use your subscription or Skype Credits. Download Teams on your device from the official Teams website and log in with your Skype credentials to see the Skype Dial Pad."

Also:

Can I use my Skype credit?  Skype Credits can be used for calling. Starting April 3, 2025, automatic top up services will no longer be available. After May 2025, the Skype Dial Pad will be available to remaining paid users from the Skype web portal and within Teams Free, where you will continue to be able to use your subscription or Skype Credits.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tufty

I use it to make calls to landlines in countries not on my mobile phone tariff. I don't make many of those - but often do so when abroad - and Skype was handy for this. My question is, what other app does this the way that skype did, without a subscription but just with topping up a bit of credit and then using a dial pad?

In fairness Teams will offer this apparently, but not until May. Annoying Skype credit can't be moved to Teams and used for this purpose right now. Microsoft making a meal of this migration. Picked this info up from elsewhere:

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It would make sense for the situation with skype credit and automatic payment system to get migrated and or fixed up properly with teams, but since it is Microsoft, they are sure to mess it up at first.

While not the perfect solution, if the recipients you want to call also have telegram and internet, you can use it and there should not be any charges.

If you also need a web app messenger type of application for things like sending code snippets or screen shots or images while discussing work etc the telgram web app seems efficient for that also.

Rick
Universal4

Even though it has gone downhill since Microsoft took over, I have been using Skype for business, all of my contacts are there.

Not wild about teams (but I haven't checked it out recently) and there is so much noise and spam on Telegram.
If nothing better presents itself I guess I will make the move to Telegram. Just not happy about it.