Microsoft Drops Support For Skype In Windows Phone 7
In the hardware world, even the best-selling devices eventually reach EOL (end-of-life) status. And, as fate would have it, it seems that the software world follows suit. But every now and again, a product is killed that leaves us scratching our heads. While Windows Phone 8 is clearly the premier mobile product for Microsoft, it sure doesn't feel as if Windows Phone 7 is that old. Plus, Microsoft owes what little success it has seen in the mobile realm to the early adopters who took a chance with WP7. Nevertheless, the company is axing support of its flagship VoIP app, Skype, on Windows Phone 7.
Here's the quote from Microsoft: "As we look ahead to the future, we are focusing all our efforts to bring great experiences and improved performance to Windows Phone 8, building on the capabilities of the platform. As a result we are not planning to release further updates to Skype for Windows Phone 7. However the Windows Phone 7 app will remain available to download in the Windows Phone Store, so users can still keep using the core Skype experiences, such as Chat, Voice and Video Calls."
On one hand, that's brutal for WP7 users. On the other, software is moving at a breakneck pae these days, and it's on Microsoft to keep up with its fast-moving rivals. There's a part of us that truly understands the move; you have to look ahead and let go of the past if you ever want to truly innovate.
Here's the quote from Microsoft: "As we look ahead to the future, we are focusing all our efforts to bring great experiences and improved performance to Windows Phone 8, building on the capabilities of the platform. As a result we are not planning to release further updates to Skype for Windows Phone 7. However the Windows Phone 7 app will remain available to download in the Windows Phone Store, so users can still keep using the core Skype experiences, such as Chat, Voice and Video Calls."
On one hand, that's brutal for WP7 users. On the other, software is moving at a breakneck pae these days, and it's on Microsoft to keep up with its fast-moving rivals. There's a part of us that truly understands the move; you have to look ahead and let go of the past if you ever want to truly innovate.
