Why now? Wasn’t Skype ‘the thing’?
In short – MS Teams happened. Microsoft has been gently nudging users from Skype to Microsoft Teams. Let’s be honest, Skype has been lagging, especially with GenZ and their FaceTimes, Zooms, and IG Lives. But yes, for a whole generation, Skype was internet’s first awkward attempt at long-distance intimacy – cousins in the US or Britain showing us snow over choppy video; long-distance couples crying pixelated tears….
But what happens to my Skype account now?
If you are still clinging to that Skype ID from 2008, don’t panic. Microsoft says you can migrate your chats and contacts to Teams. But you won’t be able to sign in to Skype or download it after May 5.Will Skype be remembered fondly or be a tech fossil?Bit of both. But it was revolutionary. Skype taught us to video call before it was cool (and before it was mandatory during pandemics). But it didn’t keep up with the times.
So, what are my options now?
Many. There is Skype’s official hier – Microsoft teams. Corporate’s darling – Zoom and Google Meet. And then GenZ approved FaceTime, WhatsApp or Instagram video calls.
Any final words in memory of Skype?
Skype, you gave us bad lighting, frozen faces, and the thrill of hearing, ‘I think you are on mute’ before it was the pandemic trend. You were the ‘call’ before the call. Thanks for the memories – and for glitching through every important moment of the 2010s.
Text: Team Sunday ET
