The iconic app was a lifeline for millions, especially migrants staying in touch with loved ones.

Microsoft has announced that it will retire Skype in May 2025, marking the end of an era for one of the most influential internet communication services. The decision is part of Microsoft's strategy to streamline its communication offerings, shifting focus entirely to Microsoft Teams, which provides enhanced collaboration and messaging features.

Jeff Teper, Microsoft’s president of collaborative apps and platforms, confirmed the move in a company blog post, stating that Teams will continue to offer many of Skype’s core functionalities—such as one-on-one and group calls, messaging, and file sharing—while also supporting advanced features for meetings, calendar management, and community building.

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Skype users will be able to transition seamlessly to Microsoft Teams using their existing accounts, ensuring that contacts and conversations are preserved.

Skype was launched in 2003 by a team of Estonian developers and quickly gained worldwide popularity as a free and reliable platform for voice and video calls. In 2005, eBay acquired Skype for $2.6 billion, before Microsoft purchased it for $8.5 billion in 2011, integrating it into its suite of products.

However, despite its strong legacy, Skype struggled in recent years to compete with services like Zoom, WhatsApp, and FaceTime, leading to a steady decline in its user base.

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In contrast, Microsoft Teams, introduced in 2017, has seen significant growth, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, as businesses and individuals sought robust collaboration tools.

As of February 2023, Skype had 36 million daily users across 108 languages. For many, especially migrant workers and families separated by distance, Skype was more than just an app—it was a lifeline, offering an affordable way to stay connected across borders.

As Skype prepares to make its final sign-off, it leaves behind a legacy of revolutionizing digital communication. While Microsoft Teams will carry forward its core features, for millions around the world, Skype will always be remembered as the app that made the world feel smaller.

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