Microsoft will stop its popular Skype Wi-Fi service, from March 31. Skype, through its FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section, informed that Skype WiFi will not be available any longer. After March 31, users will not be able to download the application and if the app is already there, it will not be able to locate or use hotspots. Notably, Microsoft has said that users will still be able to use their Skype credits to calls. The reason why Skype is retiring its WiFi service is to better focus on core app features like video and calling and bring the best experience possible.
The Skype WiFi was used by consumers to connect to thousands of hotspots present all over the world. The Skype WiFi application is present across all platforms including Android, Windows, MacOS, iOS and Linux. It has been used by people who are always on the move, and such an app by Skype reduces the need to sign up with different service providers. In order to use the Skype WiFi, consumers are needed to pay with ‘Credits’. The move might affect a large number of people, especially businessmen who keep travelling and need to get on a video call at any point of the day. However, for Microsoft this may be a good decision, as with the rising competition among messaging and calling apps, it needs to focus on its core features which made it famous.
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Skype, on its FAQ blog, wrote: “We’re retiring Skype Wi-Fi globally so we can better focus our efforts on bringing you the best possible experience through our core Skype features.”
Recently, Microsoft had launched a lighter version of the popular calling app Skype and said that it will use the Aadhaar numbers as authentication. This decision by Microsoft to launch ‘Skype Lite’ comes after Nadella met IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and discussed the benefits of technology in several ‘Digital India’ projects. Skype Lite, according to the name, is a lighter, more data friendly version of the video calling app, and is available only in India.
