Skype ✭

: After a confusing acquisition by eBay in 2005, it was eventually sold to Microsoft in 2011 for $8.5 billion .

: Skype struggled to adapt its battery-heavy P2P technology to the smartphone era, allowing mobile-first competitors like FaceTime and WhatsApp to gain ground. : After a confusing acquisition by eBay in

: Users were given until January 2026 to export or delete their data through the Skype Export Portal . Skype was officially , marking the end of

Skype was officially , marking the end of its era as a standalone consumer video calling service. Microsoft has shifted its focus to Microsoft Teams (free) , which now serves as the primary communications hub for personal and professional use. While the service is discontinued, users with paid credits can still use the Skype Dial Pad for traditional phone calls for the time being. Key Details of the Shutdown Retirement Date : May 5, 2025. Key Details of the Shutdown Retirement Date : May 5, 2025