14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has recently released a new Skype update for users enrolled in the Insider program, and while the new build obviously comes with a series of improvements, the big news is related to what’s happening right now in Ukraine.
More specifically, Microsoft is making all Skype calls to and from Ukraine completely free. The company says this campaign runs on absolutely all platforms where Skype exists, and it also encourages users out there to go help non-profit organizations provide assistance to those in Ukraine.
The new Skype update, which brings the app to version 8.82, also includes Support Ukraine emoticons, as well as support for translating phone calls to the Ukrainian language.
Microsoft suspended new sales in Russia
The Redmond-based software giant announced recently that sales of its new products in Russia have been suspended indefinitely.
Furthermore, the company is working with Ukraine to protect the country against cyberattacks, it said.
“Our single most impactful area of work almost certainly is the protection of Ukraine’s cybersecurity. We continue to work proactively to help cybersecurity officials in Ukraine defend against Russian attacks, including most recently a cyberattack against a major Ukrainian broadcaster,” the company said in an announcement that was released to the public in early March.
“Since the war began, we have acted against Russian positioning, destructive or disruptive measures against more than 20 Ukrainian government, IT and financial sector organizations. We have also acted against cyberattacks targeting several additional civilian sites. We have publicly raised our concerns that these attacks against civilians violate the Geneva Convention.”
Of course, Microsoft isn’t the only tech giant that’s supporting Ukraine. Apple has recently stopped selling new products in Russia, while Google updated Android to provide air raid alerts across the entire Ukraine. Google Maps traffic information has also been disabled in Ukraine.