Microsoft squashes Skype bugs and improves reliability, but how many people still use the app?
Microsoft continues to improve Skype despite the app losing its once-ubiquitous status.
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What you need to know
Earlier this year, Microsoft removed all ads from Skype. The communication platform isn’t as popular as it used to be, but millions of people still rely on it for chats, calls, and video calls. Now, Microsoft has a new batch of improvements for Skype on the way, though none of them are as monumental as the removal of ads. Skype version 8.127.76.102 is now in testing among Insiders, and it improves stability and removes bugs.
In addition to fixing issues on the iPad and changing what appears within Copilot chat on iOS, the update improves performance and reliability on mobile devices. Overall, the update is small, but it serves as a chance to ask about Skype, which I find to be a fascinating app. I’ve listed all the changesoutlined by Microsoftnear the end of this piece.
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Do you still use Skype?
The rise and fall of Skype could inspire books. Microsoft spent $8.5 billion on the acquisition of Skype and then systematically drove the app into the ground. App redesigns, a change of priorities, an initial infrastructure based on peer-to-peer communication, and competitors making better alternatives all contributed to Skype dropping in popularity. Zoom became a verb, WhatsApp gained voice and video calls, and several other apps began to deliver a better experience than Skype.
As highlighted by a James Corden sketch, Skype lost to Zoom during the pandemic in terms of public perception. Microsoft Teams also became the priority for Microsoft, which wasultimately successful. Teams is doing well, has hundreds of millions of users, and perhaps most importantly for Microsoft, Teams has a clear path to monetization.
Skype is still around, of course. While Microsoft’s communication app isn’t ubiquitous when it comes to casual chatting, it’s still used by millions of people. My questions are how many of you use Skype and which other communication apps do you use regularly?
In the poll above, you can pick all of the apps you use in your personal life and then rank them. If you use a different app or service, please let us know in the comments below!
What’s new in Skype?
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
