Many of you might be aware that Skype offers two applications for Windows users, there’s the Windows modern application optimized for touch and then there’s the conventional Skype for Desktop application. The touch-friendly Skype app has been available for quite a while for Windows 8 but now it has reached the end of the road. Microsoft has confirmed that in the interest of simplifying the experience for users, it’s shutting down the modern application in favor of the desktop app.
Starting July 7th all PC users who have the modern app installed will be moved to the Windows desktop app and the former will be retired. Skype for Desktop can then be used either with mouse or keyboard or through touch input.
The company explains that with Windows 10 just around the corner it makes sense to stay with the Skype app that can work with mouse and keyboard while also being capable of touch input instead of keeping two apps which essentially serve the same purpose.
Those who now have to switch from the modern app can download Skype for Desktop easily from here. Users who try to access the modern app on their PCs after July 7th will automatically be prompted to download the desktop application.
All contacts and conversations from the last 30 days will be available for users who are switching apps, there’s no change for folks who own a Windows RT tablet or those who are already using Skype for Windows desktop.
Filed in . Read more about Microsoft, Skype and Windows 10. Source: blogs.skype