RIP Skype
I've been using this soon-to-be-departed program to help produce my podcast for years.
It’s the end of an era.
On Friday, Microsoft announced it will be shutting down Skype in May. I can’t say I was surprised but I am still saddened by this news. I have been using Skype for over two decades. It’s been an integral part of producing this podcast since I started it in 2016.
My feelings are a mix of nostalgia and practicality. Besides revolutionizing the format of video calling, Skype offered an easy-to-use interface. Most importantly for my purposes, it offered free unlimited recording time.
I will never understand how Skype fumbled the bag so hard during the pandemic. This should have been its time to shine. What actually happened was that Zoom came along and ate its lunch. Zoom is OK for what it is, but you now have to pay to record more than 40 minutes at a time.
I don’t see why Microsoft couldn’t just leave well enough alone and continue to support Skype for those of us who have grown to rely on it. After all, they paid $8.5 billion for it in 2011. How much could it possibly cost them to just keep it going? How wasteful.
The worst part is that they’re trying to roll everyone into using Microsoft Teams. If you’ve never had the displeasure of using Microsoft Teams, count yourself lucky. It one of the worst professional pieces of software I have ever encountered. I will never use Microsoft Teams to produce this podcast. (If anyone has encountered any viable alternatives to Skype, please let me know. I’m all ears.)
I will still use Zoom and any other programs I come across to produce this podcast, so listeners shouldn’t notice any difference. But, I couldn’t let the occasion pass without noting how needlessly imprudent and inconsiderate this decision by Microsoft was.
RIP Skype. You’ll be missed. Pour one out for a real one.
Well, that’s all I have for you this week. I’ll talk to you again next Friday.
Best,
Rob
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“We live in interesting times” …
I’m beginning to understand the Chinese ‘curse’.
I’m sure, Rob, you’ll find a better way!