Skype halts development for Windows Phone 7, sets course for Windows Phone 8

The Skype squad today has taken to their blog to further outline some of their plans for mobile going forrad. In the article, they highlight how Windows Telephone eight was the first OS to receive mobile HD video calling and feature the new Modern UI. They as well mentioned that "the vast bulk of our Windows Telephone base and usage is on Windows Phone 8".

Skype, like all companies, has to put their resources where the market is and because of that, they're announcing that at that place will be no further development for Windows Phone 7.ten legacy devices.

That's the bad news. The good news is they are not pulling the app from the Store and it volition remain in that location for customers to use and download going forrad. The "core Skype experiences" including Conversation, Voice and Video Calls will remain operational, but don't look any more future updates.

The motion by Skype should non be seen every bit a surprise. Back in June, data from AdDuplex demonstrated how Windows Telephone 8 had overtaken Windows Telephone seven usage with a 53% dominance. To put that in perspective, at the time Windows Phone 8 had only been on the marketplace for seven months, while its predecessor had been bachelor for well-nigh two years.

Information technology's clear that the momentum is with Windows Phone 8, especially with the dozen Lumia devices that take been released since terminal November. In that location is as well picayune argument that the 53% number has only increased since the summer.

Although it'southward a shame to encounter Windows Phone 7.x evolution be brought to a halt, resources need to exist spent on the big prize and that'due south Windows Telephone viii. At least 7.x users won't be losing anything, as the Skype app will remain bachelor for the nigh future.

Recently, Skype for Windows Phone viii received the video messaging feature and we should encounter more advances for Skype on Windows Phone 8 in the future.

Source: Skype Blog; Thanks, Erik E., for the tip!

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