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Skype Kills Extras Program

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the who-needs-a-user-driven-community dept.

Several different sources are reporting that Skype is shutting down their "Extras" program. The program was designed to help developers release third-party applications for the VoIP service. "Developers and users will have some adjustment time, though. Skype won't certify any new submissions, but it won't yank support for existing Extras either, that is, until their certificates expire. You'll still be able to install existing Extras through the Windows desktop client, and you'll still see them featured in the Skype shop. Skype will also continue to maintain its public API. Since many Skype Extras are sold to users as premium content, the shut down also has a financial impact for profiting developers. They'll have [...] until December 11, to continue using Skype Credit. Developers will need to submit a final invoice by January 25th; after that Skype will shutter its third-party shop."

5 of 104 comments (clear)

  1. KGB considerations? by cryfreedomlove · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Russia considers Skype a threat. I wonder if this shut down is an effort to kill off my idea for using Skype to communicate on hostile internets. I wanted to create a skype Extra that uses PGP to encrypt the voice traffic between two parties communicating on a network that is controlled by an oppressive government that does not respect privacy.

  2. Re:Skype is for gays by NoYob · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Calling when your traveling internationally. Instead of having to mess around with phone cards or cell phones, you bring your laptop, hook into the hotel's internet connection (many times free) and call away.

    --
    It's NOT me! It's the meds! I'm on 1000mg of Fukitol.
  3. impacts accessibility negatively by osssmkatz · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Skype should change their mind. This allowed skype to be the de-facto platform. My friend with a disability needs text to speech and other things, that were available as extras or could potentially be.

  4. Re:Never write a plug-in by Animats · · Score: 3, Interesting

    In the visual effects field and graphics world plugins are part of daily life.

    Someone at Autodesk once described the 3DS Max plug-in market to me as "400 people chasing $4 million in business". You don't want to be one of those 400 people.

  5. Ok, now.... by crhylove · · Score: 2, Interesting

    OK, can the Pidgin team PLEASE finish up voice and video support (AND ON WINDOWS!), so I can switch everybody over?

    Thanks in Advance.

    --
    I hold very few opinions. I hold information based on observation and fact. If you wish to disagree, please use facts.