In the fast-paced world of technology, things change rapidly. This week, we're talking about a major shift: Microsoft is shutting down Skype on May 5, 2025. For many of us, especially the millennials, Skype was our first taste of video calling over the internet. Let's take a look at its history, why it's closing, and what comes next.

A Look Back at Skype

Skype was launched way back in 2003, and it revolutionized how people communicated. It allowed us to make free or very cheap calls and video calls over the internet, connecting people across the globe. This was a huge deal, especially for those of us with family or friends living far away. It made international communication much more accessible.

In 2011, Microsoft bought Skype for a lot of money, showing just how important it had become. For a long time, 'Skype' became synonymous with video calling. Skype was especially useful for those who had relatives abroad. It reduced the cost of communication to a minimum, and it was a very useful tool.

What Led to the Shutdown?

The tech world is always changing. New apps and platforms have come along, offering more features and often, a better user experience. Apps like WhatsApp, Zoom, Google Meet and Microsoft's Teams have become very popular. Microsoft has been focusing its efforts on Microsoft Teams, which offers a wider range of communication and collaboration tools. They want to streamline their services, and that means saying goodbye to Skype.

The rise of smartphones, and the increase of data coverage here in Kenya, has also brought alternative ways of communication to the masses. Many people now prefer apps that are mobile first such as Google Meet.

What This Means for You

If you're a Skype user, don't worry! Microsoft is making it easy to transit to Microsoft Teams. You'll be able to use your Skype account to log in to Teams, and your contacts and chats will transfer over. Microsoft is encouraging everyone to move over to teams, as it will be the platform they will be putting all of their focus into. This change reflects the constant evolution of technology. It's important to stay updated and adapt to new tools.

How the Future Looks Like

While it's sad to see Skype go, this is a natural part of technology's evolution. Microsoft Teams offers many of the same features, and more. It's important to embrace these changes. This also shows us how important it is to keep up with digital literacy. Learning how to use new communication tools is essential in today's world.

Change is inevitable, especially in the tech world. While we say goodbye to Skype, we welcome the new possibilities that Microsoft Teams brings. Stay connected, stay informed, and stay tech-savvy!