Microsoft kills off Skype for TVs because people prefer to use the app on mobile devices

[midian182]

When it was first introduced back in 2010, using video communications app Skype on a smart TV sounded like a good idea. The application was available to download on many sets, and even came preloaded on some televisions from certain manufacturers. But now, owner Microsoft has announced that it is dropping support for Skype TV software.

The Redmond company’s decision was discovered on a Skype support page by the BBC. It states that, starting in June 2016, the application will no longer be supported and will no longer receive updates. The document goes on to say that “TV manufacturers may remove the Skype for TV application from some or all of their models” after this date.

Microsoft says that the main reason behind the decision to end TV support is because the majority of those who use Skype now do so via a mobile device, even when they are in a room containing a Smart TV that has the app installed.

Over the years, users have changed the way they use Skype, with the majority accessing it from a mobile device – including when in the living room. We want to make sure we prioritize delivering the best possible experience to the platforms our users are asking for, which is why we’ve decided to focus our efforts in other areas while supporting key functionality on Skype for TV for as long as possible.

If you are a fan of the Skype TV app, you’ll still be able to use it after June 1 - even though it won’t be receiving any more updates. But it’s more than likely that the application will stop working completely on all smart televisions before the end of this year.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/64045-microsoft-kills-off-skype-tvs-because-people-prefer.html

 

[Gopal Bhat]

I wonder if removing the feature will spawn a class action lawsuit.
Some people may have chosen their set as it supports Skype. Removing a feature presented at point of sale.

 

[Puiu]

I've stopped using skype for mobile a long time ago. it was too buggy with constant crashes and long hangs.
Last week I tried to use it again since I needed something for work. It crashed during the installation and it took me 5 minutes to get it open for the first time since it wasn't starting. It also ate RAM like a beast.

I'm very disappointed in MS and what they did to the app since they bought Skype.

 

[psycros]

Of course people would rather use a mobile app because any applications other than media centers or console games don't make any sense on a TV.

 

[Adhmuz]

"the majority of those who use Skype now do so via a mobile device, even when they are in a room containing a Smart TV that has the app installed."

Just like when your trying to look at website on your phone and then realize there's a computer right next to you that would have made life that much easier.

Honestly though, people use Skype to begin with? The only time I ever needed it was to do an interview for a job, that was 3 years ago, uninstalled it after.

 

[Uncle Al]

Still using it and it's "OK". I like it just because they don't load it up with ads and force you to put up with pop=ups and all that other non-sense. The voice and video are also OK, over a 60 mps line but I hear from other friends with slower service that it can be quite painful, especially during peak hours.

 

[BSim500]

"Microsoft says that the main reason behind the decision to end TV support is because the majority of those who use Skype now do so via a mobile device, even when they are in a room containing a Smart TV that has the app installed."

So they've finally figured out putting social stuff on your living room TV purely for the sake of it only works if you live on your own (because in family households, other family members will in utter amazement, often use the TV in the evening - for watching TV on...)

 

[Fenixpc]

I've stopped using skype for mobile a long time ago. it was too buggy with constant crashes and long hangs.
Last week I tried to use it again since I needed something for work. It crashed during the installation and it took me 5 minutes to get it open for the first time since it wasn't starting. It also ate RAM like a beast.

I'm very disappointed in MS and what they did to the app since they bought Skype.

One hundred percent agree since Microsoft buy Skype the app turn to aches, not only on mobile but on desktop, this was for me my number one app now I don't want to fix every bug that it has, now I use FaceTime or Viber for cam calls

 

[darkzelda]

Well I really like Skype, specially on Desktop.

 

[cliffordcooley]

Take it off my Desktop as well. I was perfectly happy, installing it only when wanted.

 

[Technician]

When I use skype on my tv, it's not with the tv software, it's with the browser anyways, I suspect this is pretty normal to not need the skype tv.