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Skype Retires Older Apps for Windows, Linux (techcrunch.com)

Posted by msmash on from the leaving-people dept.

An anonymous reader writes: The newest version of the Skype app takes a big hat-tip from social media platforms like Snapchat and Facebook's Messenger with its newest features, adding a Stories-like feature called Highlights, a big selection of bots to add into chats and a longer plan to upgrade group conversations with more features. Now, as part of the effort to get people to use the new Skype more, the company is also doubling down on something else: Skype is trying to get users off of older versions of Skype. As part of that push, the Microsoft-owned company has sent out messages to users this week noting that it will be retiring a host of older iterations on July 1. Those who are still using them after that day will likely no longer be able to sign on. Skype app won't work on the follow OS versions: Android 4.0.2 and lower, BlackBerry OS 7.1 and lower, iOS 7 and lower, Linux (Linux users must upgrade to Skype for Linux Beta), Mac OS X 10.8 and lower, Symbian OS, Skype mobile for Verizon, Skype on 3, Skype on TV, Windows 10 task-based app, Windows Phone 8.1 and lower, and Windows RT.

3 of 121 comments (clear)

  1. Re:What was the plan? by tepples · · Score: 1, Informative

    How long ago did you purchase your phone running Android 2.3 "Gingerbread" new? When did its warranty expire? How long is its lithium ion battery lasting on a charge, and how well is its screen holding up to scratches? You've had years to save up for a replacement entry-level Android phone such as the Coolpad Catalyst, which I currently carry.

    Windows RT users can presumably use Skype for Web in Internet Explorer.

  2. Skype useless on Linux by OFnow · · Score: 4, Informative

    Since Microsoft bought Skype the Linux support went from fine to out-of-date to mostly unusable to skype-no-64-bit (so useless). I still have a few dollars credit on skype but will never use the cash. I used skype as a way to call numbers outside our landline zone, but now I just use a mobile phone: the cell signal is just enough better (now) to make that possible.

  3. Re:So what are good alternatives? by kaur · · Score: 5, Informative

    Wire.

    https://wire.com/en/privacy/

    Open source, open protocol, end-to-end crypto.
    Based in Berlin thus not subject to US laws.