14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has just announced that March 1 is the deadline for the migration to the latest version of Skype clients on the desktop, explaining that older releases would no longer log in beyond this date.
The demise of old Skype versions is part of the company’s transition to a modern architecture for the VoIP platform, which allows it to offer more advanced features, such as video message saving, cloud file sharing, and mobile group video calling.
The clients impacted by the decision are on Windows and Mac, and Microsoft says that updating to the latest versions is the only way to continue using the service without interruption.
“Because we want to provide our users with the best possible Skype experience, necessary changes must be made along the way. So, beginning March 1, users running older versions of Skype for Windows desktop (7.16 and below) or Skype for Mac (7.0 to 7.18) will no longer be able to sign in. If you’re one of those users, all you’ll need to do is download the new update,” Microsoft explains.
Windows 10 and Windows users
As far as Windows 10 users are concerned, Microsoft’s decision to kill off old versions of the Skype client shouldn’t impact them in a substantial manner because the operating system already comes with a built-in Skype preview universal app.
Although this app still lacks some functionality available in the desktop client, it’s undoubtedly evolving, and Microsoft seems to be very keen on bringing it in line with the Win32 sibling.
Overall, however, Microsoft really can’t be blamed for giving up on old versions of Skype, especially because the firm is moving to a modern infrastructure that allows for so many new features.
But as far as Windows phone users are concerned, so many of them are being left behind because of this transition, and this can’t be only frustrating given the fact that Microsoft seems to be abandoning its own users.