From blossoming long-distance love to helping families stay connected, for years Skype held a unique place in people's hearts. In the days before Zoom, WhatsApp and Teams, the video call service was once one of the world's most popular websites. It allowed people to make computer-to-computer calls free, and then became the way users could make low cost calls to landlines and mobiles to people in other parts of the world. In recent years though, Skype has been diminishing as its owner Microsoft focussed on Teams. Its services will close for good on 5 May, with the Skype for Business feature the only part to remain. Here are just some of the many people whose lives were touched by Skype since it launched in 2003. Weng and Owen Williams have a lot to thank Skype for - it is one of the main reasons they are married. In 2012, Weng left Macau, China to start a six-month internship at a National Trust site in Carmarthenshire, Wales. Feeling a bit homesick, she would speak to friends and family on Skype. She then met Owen, who was also working for the National Trust. At first they were friends, but after Weng returned to Macau, romance blossomed over months of Skype chats and visits to see one another. "Skype was a very important part of our relationship," she said. When they decided to embark on a long-distance relationship, Skype was the glue that held it together. They video called every day - including when Weng sent Owen a birthday cake and he cut it in front of her during their chat. "That was quite sweet," she said. "Skype just kept us going." The pair ultimately got engaged, and Weng moved back to Wales in 2015. Now, they are happily married. Like many over the years, Erica from New Zealand used Skype to communicate with a loved one while they were in another part of the world. In her case, it was her husband when one of them was on a work trip. Following his death in 2017, Skype took on another role for Erica, who spoke to the BBC anonymously. "I was clearing out his files to decommission his work computer," she told BBC News. "I had the opportunity to review these messages we had exchanged and realised how they inadvertently documented a period of distress and heartache in our relationship." What Erica did next tried to bring some closure to this difficult period in her life. "I sent a posthumous message to his Skype address to which, I - or he - replied from his computer," she said. Erica said she then began a brief conversation back and forth "over a period of weeks" - where she would send a message to his Skype address, then reply to herself from his account. "In this exchange, we responded to each other's messages and questions with all the apologies and regret that we needed to hear from each other," she said. "It helped me to move on. I believed it." Since 2003, Susan Bertotti has lived in Chile. Skype has been her way of keeping in touch with her mum Vera, who lives in in Milton Keynes. For the past 15 years, they have spoken to each other every day they are apart on Skype. From sharing Christmas memories to showing each other their gardens in Chile and England, the video call app has been a constant. "Skype has given my mother and I the most wonderful close connection all these years," Susan said. When she became her mum's carer, Susan used the app to deal with all her life admin back in the UK. As the years went on, the family starting using WhatsApp, but they still use Skype to set up their chats. Vera is now 99. "It is going to be a huge loss to me," Susan said. "I'll be back to making lost-distance calls now on her behalf, and that will be horrible, or I'll have to email. "I'm so disappointed about losing Skype." Being able to call internationally without big fees are an important part of Stan Calderwood's business. On the day it was announced the service would close, he had used it eight times to call estate agents, accountants and lawyers in Canada about the sale of a property there. "You can't call everyone on WhatsApp, Zoom or Teams," he said. "You do have to call people on their mobiles and their landlines, particularly businesses." Stan is now looking for a new low-cost alternative for cheap international calls. While Skype fell away in recent years, it still had millions of users - with the websiteStatista stating it had almost 28 million as of March last year. So what will happen now? Microsoft says Skype's free services will be retired, and users have a choice - move over to Teams, or export their Skype data including chats, contacts and call history. "The timing of this shift is driven by the significant advancements and adoption of Microsoft Teams," said a Microsoft spokesperson. "Teams free offers many of the same core features as Skype." Meanwhile, the firm says its Skype for Business users areunaffected by the changeand the service will continue. One of those customers is the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Its spokesperson told the BBC the MoD is retiring most of its Skype service as it moves to Teams, but a "small group of users" will continue using the business version of Skype. For Skype customers who pay a subscription or have credits to make calls to landlines and mobiles, they will be able to use Skype Dial Pad on Teams. When their credit or subscription ends, there will be no way to continue using it. Skype as we know it is going - and with it, one of the the most recognisable tech products of this century. Sign up for our Tech Decoded newsletterto follow the world's top tech stories and trends.Outside the UK? Sign up here.
Long-distance romance and closure from husband's death - your memories of Skype
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Skype to Close Free Services on May 5, 2023, Ending an Era of Long-Distance Connections"
Bbc News
6.7
TruthLens AI Summary
Skype has played a pivotal role in connecting people across distances since its launch in 2003, becoming a significant tool for long-distance relationships and family communications. Before the rise of competitors like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, Skype allowed users to make free video calls and low-cost international calls, making it one of the most popular communication platforms globally. However, as Microsoft has shifted its focus to Teams, Skype is set to close its free services on May 5, 2023, with only the Skype for Business feature remaining operational. This transition marks the end of an era for many users who have relied on Skype to maintain personal and professional relationships. Stories shared by users highlight Skype's profound impact on their lives, such as Weng and Owen Williams, whose relationship flourished through daily video calls, solidifying their bond despite the geographical distance. Erica from New Zealand also found solace in Skype after the death of her husband, using the platform to send posthumous messages that allowed her to process her grief and find closure. Susan Bertotti, who has lived in Chile for years, emphasized Skype's role in maintaining a close connection with her mother in the UK, expressing disappointment over the impending loss of this communication tool that has been integral to their daily lives for 15 years.
While Skype's user base has dwindled in recent years, it still maintained millions of active users, underscoring its enduring significance. Stan Calderwood, a business owner, lamented the upcoming closure as he relied on Skype for affordable international calls essential for his work. Microsoft has indicated that users will have to transition to Teams or export their Skype data, which has raised concerns among those who have relied on the platform for years. The Ministry of Defence has also stated that they will phase out most of their Skype services in favor of Teams, although a small group will continue using Skype for Business. As the closure looms, many will have to adapt to new communication methods, leaving behind one of the most recognizable tech products of the 21st century, which has shaped how people connect across the globe.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article reflects on the significant role Skype has played in facilitating long-distance relationships and maintaining connections, particularly in light of its upcoming discontinuation. As users share their personal stories, it highlights both the emotional resonance of the platform and the broader context of technological evolution in communication.
Purpose of the Article
The piece serves to commemorate Skype's contributions to interpersonal communication over the years, showcasing personal narratives that illustrate its importance in fostering relationships. The intent is to evoke nostalgia among readers who have utilized the service, thereby reinforcing its legacy before its closure.
Creating Emotional Resonance
By sharing individual experiences, such as Weng and Owen's long-distance love story and Erica's journey after her husband's death, the article aims to connect with readers on an emotional level. This approach fosters a sense of community among those who have relied on Skype, making the narrative relatable and poignant.
Potential Omissions or Hidden Agendas
While the article focuses on the positive aspects of Skype, it might downplay the negative consequences of digital communication, such as feelings of isolation or reliance on technology. This selective storytelling could be seen as an attempt to maintain a positive public image of Skype, especially as it faces discontinuation.
Truthfulness and Reliability
The article appears factual, drawing on real user experiences and factual information about Skype's history and closure. However, the emotional framing could lead to subjective interpretations, making it essential to approach the narratives with a critical eye.
Broader Implications
The closure of Skype may signal a shift in communication preferences and industry trends, particularly as Microsoft prioritizes Teams. This could affect users who have relied on Skype for personal and professional connections, prompting them to adapt to alternative platforms.
Target Audience
The article is likely aimed at individuals who have used Skype, especially those with long-distance relationships or personal stories tied to the platform. It resonates particularly with communities valuing connectivity, such as expatriates and remote workers.
Impact on Markets
The news may influence perceptions of Microsoft and its product offerings, potentially affecting stock prices and market strategies related to communication technology. Investors might reconsider their positions based on how effectively Microsoft transitions Skype's user base to Teams.
Geopolitical Considerations
There's no direct geopolitical significance in the article; however, the evolution of communication technologies like Skype plays a role in global connectivity and could indirectly impact international relations, especially regarding remote work and digital diplomacy.
AI Involvement
There is a possibility that AI was used in drafting the article, especially in organizing user experiences or summarizing information. However, the personal anecdotes suggest a human touch, which may limit AI's influence in narrative styling.
Manipulation Concerns
The framing of the article leans towards sentimental storytelling, which might be seen as manipulation if it overshadows more critical discussions about digital communication's downsides. This emotional appeal could lead readers to overlook the complexities of technology dependency.
In conclusion, while the article serves a nostalgic and commemorative purpose regarding Skype, it is essential to recognize the potential biases and omissions in its narrative. The reliability of the stories shared adds to the article's credibility, though readers should remain aware of the broader implications of such technological shifts.