Microsoft shuts down Skype after 22 years, shifting users to Teams
How did your country report this? Share your view in the comments.
Introduction:
The news topic “Microsoft shuts down Skype after 22 years, shifting users to Teams” has drawn international attention, with various media outlets providing diverse insights, historical context, political stances, and on-the-ground developments. Below is a curated overview of how different countries and media organizations have covered this topic recently.
Quick Summary:
- Skype first launched in 2003. When Microsoft acquired it in 2011 for $8.5 billion, the service had around 150 million monthly users. When the popularity of Zoom surged during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, that number had fallen to roughly 23 million. The decline was partly because Skype’s underlying technology was not suited for the smartphone era. Those who do not want to use Microsoft Teams Free can export their Skype data. The company said there would be no job cuts due to the move and that Teams has about 320 million monthly active users. The move will help the software giant focus on its homegrown Teams service by simplifying its communication offerings, Microsoft announced back in February. For confidential support call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or see www.samaritans.org.
- Skype, launched in 2003 and acquired by Microsoft in 2011 for $8.5 billion, had once boasted around 150 million monthly users. Users can log into the free version of Microsoft Teams using their existing Skype credentials, with chats and contacts migrating automatically. Those who prefer not to use Teams have the option to export their Skype data, including chat history and contacts, before the data is deleted in January 2026.
- Skype, the internet-based voice and video calling platform, has closed down. The shutdown of Skype was confirmed by Microsoft, the technology giant, which acquired the service in 2011. The features that made Skype a household name have now been incorporated into Microsoft Teams, the company’s newer communication platform. Users can continue to have free video calls, messaging, and file sharing, now complemented by capabilities such as document collaboration, calendar sync, and integration with Microsoft 365 applications. For many, the name Skype became a byword for video calling, similar to how Google became a verb for searching online. It was instrumental in defining the internet communication era of the late 1990s and early 2000s. But with the development of digital communication and the emergence of more sophisticated tools, Skype started losing its grip.
Country-by-Country Breakdown:
Original Coverage
Skype first launched in 2003. When Microsoft acquired it in 2011 for $8.5 billion, the service had around 150 million monthly users. When the popularity of Zoom surged during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, that number had fallen to roughly 23 million. The decline was partly because Skype’s underlying technology was not suited for the smartphone era. Those who do not want to use Microsoft Teams Free can export their Skype data. The company said there would be no job cuts due to the move and that Teams has about 320 million monthly active users. The move will help the software giant focus on its homegrown Teams service by simplifying its communication offerings, Microsoft announced back in February. For confidential support call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or see www.samaritans.org. Read full article
Microsoft Officially Retires Skype After 22 Years, Users Transition to Teams
Skype, launched in 2003 and acquired by Microsoft in 2011 for $8.5 billion, had once boasted around 150 million monthly users. Users can log into the free version of Microsoft Teams using their existing Skype credentials, with chats and contacts migrating automatically. Those who prefer not to use Teams have the option to export their Skype data, including chat history and contacts, before the data is deleted in January 2026. Read full article
Skype shuts down after 22 years as Microsoft turns it’s focus to teams
Skype, the internet-based voice and video calling platform, has closed down. The shutdown of Skype was confirmed by Microsoft, the technology giant, which acquired the service in 2011. The features that made Skype a household name have now been incorporated into Microsoft Teams, the company’s newer communication platform. Users can continue to have free video calls, messaging, and file sharing, now complemented by capabilities such as document collaboration, calendar sync, and integration with Microsoft 365 applications. For many, the name Skype became a byword for video calling, similar to how Google became a verb for searching online. It was instrumental in defining the internet communication era of the late 1990s and early 2000s. But with the development of digital communication and the emergence of more sophisticated tools, Skype started losing its grip. Read full article
Global Perspectives Summary:
Global media portray this story through varied cultural, economic, and political filters. While some focus on geopolitical ramifications, others highlight local impacts and human stories. Some nations frame the story around diplomatic tensions and international relations, while others examine domestic implications, public sentiment, or humanitarian concerns. This diversity of coverage reflects how national perspectives, media freedom, and journalistic priorities influence what the public learns about global events.
How did your country report this? Share your view in the comments.
Sources:
- Original Article
- Microsoft Officially Retires Skype After 22 Years, Users Transition to Teams
- Skype shuts down after 22 years as Microsoft turns it’s focus to teams
Source: https://www.foxbusiness.com/technology/microsoft-shuts-down-skype-after-22-years-shifting-users-teams