The newest version of the Skype app takes a big hat-tip from social media platforms like Snapchat and Facebook’s Messenger with its newest features, adding a Stories-like feature called Highlights, a big selection of bots to add into chats and a longer plan to upgrade group conversations with more features. Now, as part of the effort to get people to use the new Skype more, the company is also doubling down on something else: Skype is trying to get users off of older versions of Skype.
As part of that push, the Microsoft-owned company has sent out messages to users this week noting that it will be retiring a host of older iterations on July 1. Those who are still using them after that day will likely no longer be able to sign on.
The newest version of the Skype app takes a big hat-tip from social media platforms like Snapchat and Facebook's Messenger with its newest features, adding a Stories-like feature called Highlights. Skype now brings to Windows connectivity with other people via video and voice calls and chats. This app is always on when signed in, be able to send IM to contacts not only in Skype but also for Messenger and Outlook, messages are delivered straight to your desktop.
We at TechCrunch have had two versions of the notes, one listing apps for Windows Phone 8, Windows Phone 8.1, Messaging app for Windows 10 Mobile, Windows RT and TV; and one more generic note. You can read them in full at the bottom of this post.
We’ve asked, and a spokesperson has supplied us with the full list of apps that have been and are getting axed, as well as platforms being affected — 14 in all, including several of Skype’s efforts to build apps with carriers and its own phones; its TV app; older versions of Windows (including Windows Phone), Android, BlackBerry, Mac and iOS:
- Android 4.0.2 and lower
- BlackBerry OS 7.1 and lower
- iOS 7 and lower
- Linux (Linux users must upgrade to Skype for Linux Beta)
- Mac OS X 10.8 and lower
- Symbian OS
- Skype mobile for Verizon
- Skype on 3
- Skype on Telkomsel
- Skype on TV
- Skype phones: All Skype phones
Note: Skype phones may still be available to purchase through third-party retailers, but are no longer supported - Windows 10 task-based app
- Windows Phone 8.1 and lower
- Windows RT
Note that this is something of a comprehensive list; some of these apps were discontinued quite a while ago, others a little more recently. However, it appears that if you had a device with one of these older apps installed, it would still work. Now, that no longer will be the case, it seems.
Skype TX controller is a management solution for controlling multiple Skype TX units. Using this software, it is possible to manage multiple Skype TX channels and call any contact in your Skype contact list on up to 14 connected Skype TX units.
“Because we want everyone to experience the best Skype has to offer, it’s sometimes necessary to retire older versions of Skype, and Skype-enabled devices,” a Microsoft spokesperson said. “Unsupported Skype-enabled devices and platforms may experience problems with calls and chats, lost or dropped calls and instant messages, or could stop working completely.”
Skype, founded back in 2003, was a trailblazer for a subsequently huge onslaught of mobile apps that let people message and phone each other on mobile phones, bypassing carrier networks and their costly charges. Eventually, it was also one of the first of the disruptors that carriers started to work with, developing co-marketing plans and bundles to pick up more mobile subscriptions.
But the growing field of competition from the likes of WhatsApp, Messenger, Viber, WeChat, Snapchat, Kik and more has produced an ever-crowded market. Skype’s features were leapfrogged, and the platform itself also became a hotbed for spam and contacts you might prefer not to have. So while Skype has a long and popular legacy, many have moved on from using it as their default messaging and phoning app of choice.
We asked, but Skype did not provide us with updated user numbers — let alone any data about what platforms they are using, and thus just how many people might be affected by this latest spate of spring cleaning.
What we do know is that Skype is regularly one of the most popular free apps on iOS and Android, and Skype itself tells us there have been 2 trillion minutes of free Skype video calls since 2006, with 3 billion minutes of calls being made each day, and total Skype downloads now at over 1 billion.
A recent article in Wired about the new app update, featuring an interview with Microsoft’s corporate VP of Skype Amritansh Raghav, notes 300 million users — a figure we’ve seen quoted elsewhere and appears to be from last year. As a point of comparison, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger each have 1.2 billion users.
The two notes follow below:
We’ve noticed that you are, or previously were, using an older version of Skype that will be permanently retired. As a result, after July 1, 2017, you will no longer be able to sign in to these older versions of Skype. Recently updated or started using Skype on another device? Great, you can ignore this email.
To keep talking with your family and friends, please update Skype to the latest version. It only takes a few minutes and all your contacts and conversations will be right there when you sign in.
If you are unable to update, check our support site to see if Skype still supports your device and operating system. If it is no longer supported, you can still stay in touch with friends and family using Skype on other devices. The latest versions of Skype for all supported devices are available at https://www.skype.com/download. You can sign in using the same Skype account.
and
We’ve noticed that you are, or previously were, using Skype on Windows Phone 8, Windows Phone 8.1, Messaging app for Windows 10 Mobile, Windows RT or a TV. We’re sorry to inform you that we will be permanently retiring these versions of Skype. As a result, after July 1, 2017, you will no longer be able to sign in to these versions of Skype.
(3 votes, average: 4.67 out of 5)Download Skype For Windows 7
Loading...Developed ByMicrosoft Corp (Version 7.40.0.151) – 9th of December, 2017. (100% Clean – Tested).
Download the latest version (7.40.0.151) Skype for Windows and get linked to the loved ones through crystal-clear voice and a high definition video calls.
Skype 7.40.0.151: Product’s Review:
| Technical Details |
|---|
| . Nomenclature:Skype. |
| . Genre: Messenger. |
| . Updated On: 9th Of December, 2017. |
| . Developer:Skype.Com. |
| . Version: 7.40.0.151. |
| . Compatibility: 32 & 64 Bit. |
| . Operating System: Windows 10/8/7. |
| . License: Freeware. |
| . Setup Size: 2045 KBs. |
Skype is all about sharing cogitations and feelings; a confabulate client witted to cover communication from all perspectives. Text, call, see, and hear your friends or confrere with no expenditure at all. Create an account and forthwith start to relish the awesomeness of this program, featured from video and voice calls, instantaneous messaging, file sharing to VoIP calling to mobiles or landlines at an inexpensive price. According to the Skype developer the giant Microsoft: Skype is a program that allows you to make free intra-application calls anyplace in the world free of cost and in a most reliable way. It is pertinent to mention that, Skype employs P2P (peer-to-peer) technology to conjoin you with other users, and It has several lineaments, including, using SkypeOut calling from the application directly to regular and mobile phones worldwide, group discussion or conference call, and also procure file sharing. With this latest version, you can share your screen with other users and experience Skype calls just like WhatsApp but certainly, more focused on quality audio, video, and a secure end-to-end encryption.
What Else Has Got Covered?
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| CONS |
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Skype enables users to communicate with compeers by voice with the aid of a microphone, video by using a webcam, and instantaneous messaging over the Internet. Phone calls may be put through to receivers on the tralatitious telephone networks, and calls to other users within the Skype service are gratis, while calls to mobile phones and landline telephones are paid for through a debit-based user account system. Skype has become globally known for its additional lineaments. With all the great features and benefits, is Skype the best voice over an IP (VOIP) technology? Before you answer in positive, know the potential downsides like the program is unusable If you have no internet connection further the calls to landline and mobile networks directly from the app are not at all free of cost. You have to make sure to readily tap into an Internet connection, even if it is through the WIFI. Otherwise, it is useless, further, the Skype credit is mandatory for calling outside the platform.
Screenshots:
Skype 7.40.0.151 Product’s Salient Features:
- Skype to Skype calls: Make free local and international calls anywhere anytime. Skype to Skype call is open, call your best friend to make plans for a weekend or get in touch with a client on the other side of the world.
- Voice messages: In case you’re busy getting your kids ready for school or in consecutive meetings, all of your incoming calls can be handled with free voicemail, and you can later listen to the voice messages and may return any calls at your convenience.
- Call mobile and landline numbers: It’s awe-inspiring how little it costs to call people on the other side of the world, or across town because with low national and international calling rates, and no heyday times, you can talk to those who matter most.
- Instant messaging: Your friends are at your fingertips with fast messaging on Skype no matter where you are. IM your Saturday night plans with your friends, catch up with your family. Skype instant messenger makes staying in touch dim-witted.
- The group calls: Whether you want to share an important idea with a client, need to work closely with a team of confrere or share big news with your family, with Skype group calling, including group confabs and conference call it is achievable.
- File sharing: Been anywhere looking great? Swank your snaps. Amazing presentation? Send it to your confrere. Well! Whether you need to send huge files to multiple contacts during a video, voice, or a group call or you intend to transfer a small document to someone within a twinkle of an eye, Skype is the answer.
- Video calls: Share a free streaming video call (in HD quality) with anyone who also has Skype and a webcam or compatible smartphone. Get started with Skype and stay nigher to family and friends with clear and quality video calling.
- Emoticons and Mojis: Make your Skype confabs more merriment, personal, and communicative than ever with spic-and-span Skype emoticons and Mojis. Sending a Moji is as cushy as tapping the emoticon button. Browse by movie or by the expression, prevue the Moji, and insert it into the chat to do the talking for you.
- Video messaging: With a video message, you can share any fleck of your day with a friend while they’re not online or available.
- Group video calls: Getting friends and family in one place for regular catch ups is really a beautiful thing. Group video calling is accessible to everyone free on their tablets, mobile devices, and computers, it’s cushier than ever. On the move or at home, feel more connected to your loved ones and share critical moments as they happen.
- Group screen sharing: Maybe you want to share a great idea with your team? Host an online meeting for up to 10 people with group screen sharing feature while your audience view your screen during a live conference call, making it cushy to swank your great ideas and your presentation skills with low cost.
Install Older Version Of Skype
Our Suggestions & Verdict About Skype 7.40.0.151:
Although some people are of the perception that Skype call quality can be fluctuating at times, in fact, that merely depends on your internet connection speed. The latest release brings some quality fixtures and improvements that relate to its ubiquity, making it the best pick for free calls and confab. Rates for calls to regular phone numbers remain very sensible as well, and the interface on this version is streamlined and visceral. Skype since its inception is considered as a convenient platform to call over the application, but the seriousness of the development team has taken this app to the next phase where the efficient file transferring, screen sharing and business class messaging service is an orientation.
How to Download Skype 7.40.0.151:
The latest version of the Skype 7.40.0.151 setup installer is provided below, which is suitable for both 32 and 64-bit platforms (system architectures). Just click the provided download button and experience the program with all brand-new features.
Setup Installer For Skype