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Skype Blocks Customers Using OS-X 10.5.x and Earlier

Posted by samzenpus on from the not-for-you dept.

lurker412 writes Yesterday, and without previous warning, all Mac users running Leopard or earlier versions of OS-X have been locked out of Skype. Those customers are given instructions to update, but following them does not solve the problem. The Skype Community Forum is currently swamped with complaints. A company representative active on the forum said "Unfortunately we don't currently have a build that OS X Leopard (10.5) users could use" but did not answer the question whether they intend to provide one or not.

7 of 267 comments (clear)

  1. Microsoft by WillKemp · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Who owns skype now?

    1. Re:Microsoft by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Skype is only partially peer to peer now.

      Originally, the skype network used 'super nodes' to route connections when both parties were behind NAT (without the port forwarded) and could not open a direct connection to each other. Microsoft replaced these super nodes with dedicated servers when they bought skype, in order to lift the bandwidth constraints and increase the call quality for these routed connections.

      However, On command (of the NSA or other LEAs), you'll find all of your connections routed via a microsoft server for the purpose of wire tapping.

    2. Re:Microsoft by davester666 · · Score: 5, Insightful

      thank you for being part of the problem.

      --
      Sleep your way to a whiter smile...date a dentist!
  2. Not without warning. by Alan+Shutko · · Score: 5, Informative

    Skype announced that they would be discontinuing support for older versions of the client back in June.

    http://9to5mac.com/2014/06/20/...

  3. My Windows Skype just booted me during a call! by Dr.+Spork · · Score: 5, Interesting
    I was using the last pre-MS version of the client, which had the "ring all speakers" option. I have several sound devices in my computer, and when my headphones are plugged in, they on their own don't ring loud enough to hear an incoming call. Luckily my HDMI monitor has speakers that don't get any use, except that Skype could make them ring with the "ring all speakers" option. They were loud enough to hear calls. That was until about an hour ago.

    My client just stopped working, booted me off the network, and after messing with it for a while, I finally got the message that my Skype version is too old, and that I either get the new crippled client, or I can't Skype at all.

    Many people have petitioned to have the "ring all speakers" re-implemented. It worked great. But Microsoft's answer has been: Fuck you, we will never do that. Stop pleading, we don't care. It didn't bother me too much until today. I just thought I'd stick with version 5.10.116 forever. Oh well. So thanks, Skype, for making my life shittier today. Boy am I happy I pre-paid a year of unlimited Skype Out!

  4. Re:and linux aswell by Tailhook · · Score: 5, Informative

    You have to upgrade to 4.3.0.37 on Linux to obtain connections. They've cut off earlier versions.

    This is the sort simple minded behavior that seriously limits the value of Skype. I received no warning. Suddenly Skype stops working and my subscriber access is cut off. I find this out just as an important phone conference is getting underway.

    When it works (which aside from this is all the time) Skype is absolutely great, even on Linux. $30-ish a year for unlimited call termination in North America and caller id that shows my regular cell phone, text messages (again with correct ID) — it's wonderful. But interfering with service by cutting off anything older than the most recent clients is just ridiculous.

    --
    Maw! Fire up the karma burner!
  5. Re:For comparison by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    no, it's totally different. windows vista is a supported product until april 2017, while osx 10.5 has been UNSUPPORTED by apple since june of 2011....

    google, btw, dropped osx 10.5 in chrome way back around version 21, and Mozilla dumped it for firefox with version 16 being the last to support it.