Skype becomes Microsoft Teams- Here’s what you should know about it?

Why the Sudden Change?

Many of you might think that Microsoft has taken this step out of sheer market pressure. we all know that the popularity of Skype was already at its lowest because of the new platforms available for local and international video calling. It was staying afloat as a company till its technology was a bit new and nobody else in the world had access to that tech.

Today, days are flipped. Everyone with a smartphone can talk to any one of us if they have our contact information. Applications like Whatsapp, Facebook Messaging and many others have created such a social market that Skype was literally looking “out of place.”

What Happens to Active Skype User Accounts?

One of the biggest concerns for users is what will happen to their active Skype accounts. Microsoft has assured users that there will be a gradual transition and no abrupt disruptions.

Here are the key points to know:

• Migration Process: Microsoft is working on a smooth migration path. Most user data including contacts, chat history, and preferences will be ported over to Microsoft Teams where feasible.
• Personal Accounts Welcome: Unlike earlier versions of Teams, which were focused heavily on enterprises, Microsoft has introduced a new version of Teams for personal use. This ensures that casual Skype users will have a place in the new setup. Skype will still run for some time though.
• Continued Support for Now: No updates being announced in the future it seems as Microsoft is trying to shift into the new generation era. With TEAMS, they are trying to attract the younger audience that might have forgotten the glory that Skype once used to be.
• Login Credentials: This process remains somewhat same as before as users can use their old Microsoft Account information to login which was used by Skype.

Some worthy Alternatives to Skype

1. Zoom

Zoom has become a household name for video conferencing. It offers HD video and audio, breakout rooms, screen sharing, and more. It's ideal for both personal and professional communication.

2. Google Meet

Previously known as Hangouts Meet, Google Meet is part of the Google Workspace. It integrates seamlessly with Gmail and Google Calendar and supports large meetings, making it a strong competitor.

3. Slack

One of the most commonly used software in offices worldwide, Slack has been in the market for a long time. Its ease of use and community and broadcast messaging features are some of highlights. Most IT companies had already shifted all their local, national and international communications over to Slack.

4. Discord

One platform that caught the world’s attention during the pandemic was Discord. Many online creators were forced to shift all their focus on their gaming careers as the majority of people were watching gaming streams online. That’s where Discord became a popular platform for audio and videos messaging.

5. Whatsapp

We all know about this beautiful app that has already made our lives much easier. Whatsapp has been a part of our daily lives for more than a decade now. It is one of the best video and audio calling application present across any platforms.

Final Thoughts

As we mentioned, for the 90s kids, the retirement of Skype might feel nostalgic, but we need to understand that technology across the internet is enhancing and Artificial Intelligence is one of its most crucial aspects. Almost every large company in the world is using AI in one way or another. Some are researching on the subject and are trying to integrate it into their existing services.

This can also be said about the new “TEAMS” that Microsoft has just launched. Microsoft is streamlining its services to deliver smarter, more powerful, and more integrated tools for users. Teams, enriched with AI and deeply embedded into the Microsoft ecosystem, represents the future of communication. If you're still using Skype, consider this an opportunity to embrace AI Microsoft tool that’s ready for the demands of today and the innovations of tomorrow.