Is anyone still using Skype? Microsoft has just released a new development version of Skype and it comes fully loaded with new features and improvements.
Probably the biggest one is that Microsoft is removing all ads from Skype. The company announced the new Skype release on its Answers website.
There, Microsoft bids farewell to “ads in Skype channels and beyond”. It confirms that Skype is going ad-free, which means that users will no longer see ads in channels, in chats, or elsewhere.
We’re excited to announce that Skype is now ad-free! Our latest update removes all ads from Skype channels and the entire Skype platform, ensuring a smoother, decluttered and more enjoyable user experience.
Note: The change has not yet landed in stable versions of Skype. Microsoft has not revealed when it plans to make that version of Skype ad-free.
The new beta version of Skype includes other improvements, some of which are definitely noteworthy:
- OneAuth for Skype supports Android and iOS now. The system unifies sign-ins. In other words, if you are signed into a Microsoft app, you will automatically be logged into Skype as well.
- Revamped AI Image Creation. Now accessible via the chat window or the top bar. Microsoft says it does offer an enhanced user interface and better navigation as well.
Closing Words
I have to admit that I have not used Skype in a long time and I do not know how popular the solution still is. It is probably miles away from its prime, but it could still be the go-to tool for millions of users.
These will benefit from the removal of ads. While it is unclear when the change lands in the stable version of Skype, it cannot be too far away.
What about you? Do you still use Skype or do you prefer a different platform for chat and calls? Feel free to leave a comment down below.
I can’t recall the last time anyone I know tried to Skype me. The default in my world (where saying the wrong thing can get you jailed) is now Signal.