Microsoft kills Skype (and consumer trust) for Windows Phone 7

[Prick]

Thanks Bill, knew this was coming.

When a consumer decides to buy into a platform or operating system, they expect commitment from the developer. For instance, Apple released iOS 7 on Wednesday and included support for the iPhone 4 which was released in 2010. An iPhone buyer can reasonably expect a healthy dose of updates for years. As a result, Apple users trust and buy into iOS.

Conversely, Microsoft announces that it is ending Skype development and support for Windows Phone 7. Yes, Microsoft will continue to support the smartphone operating systemuntil September 9, 2014. However, ending support for one of its own apps is a slap in the face to the loyal users who chose to buy into the platform.

The Redmond, Wash.-based company says "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".

In other words, Windows Phone 7 users can continue to download and use the app. However, if any bugs or security issues surface, they are on their own (use at your own risk). If users cannot trust Microsoft to update and support its own app, how can they place their trust in the Windows Phone platform at all?

Quite frankly, Windows Phone 8 users should be wary -- when Windows Phone 9 is released, they may face a similar fate.

https://betanews.com/2013/09/20/microsoft-kills-skype-and-consumer-trust-for-windows-phone-7/

 

[papasmerf]

While I like the windows based phones I find they do not support the productivity software I use day to day, nor will apple support all of them.

Now as to the decision led to cutting support for windows phone 7

Microsoft has a pretty decent idea with a universal platform and windows 8 is the stepping stone to that.

From a business prospective a tablet capable of true multitasking can be docked to give it more power and a lite version that doubles as a phone.

I see windows 8 in its current state to be what windows 3.0 was back in the day. A good idea but poor execution.

To me 95 was the first working version and I suspect windows 9 or 10 will be the working version of 8

 

[God]

While I like the windows based phones I find they do not support the productivity software I use day to day, nor will apple support all of them.

Now as to the decision led to cutting support for windows phone 7

Microsoft has a pretty decent idea with a universal platform and windows 8 is the stepping stone to that.

From a business prospective a tablet capable of true multitasking can be docked to give it more power and a lite version that doubles as a phone.

I see windows 8 in its current state to be what windows 3.0 was back in the day. A good idea but poor execution.

To me 95 was the first working version and I suspect windows 9 or 10 will be the working version of 8

Hmmmmmm

 

[dreamblade]

Several things to say about this:

1) Bill has not been in charge of MS for a long time. It's Steve Ballmer. And yes, he's an idiot blowhard, thank the gods he's retiring.
2) Win Mobile 7 is 3 years old, had many bugs, and poor showing on the market. The phones that were released with 7 have been discontinued since 2011. WinMob 8 came out last year (I was at the launch party), and it's a superb alternative to the iPhone for people who need an easy-to-navigate mobile OS.
3) As long as they don't discontinue support for Skype on Windows 7 pc, it's fine. The PC version of Win8 is an abortion. People won't be getting rid of Win7 for at least the next 6 years, since it can still be installed on a new PC (I recommend it).

 

[BEER]

Several things to say about this:

1) Bill has not been in charge of MS for a long time. It's Steve Ballmer. And yes, he's an idiot blowhard, thank the gods he's retiring.
2) Win Mobile 7 is 3 years old, had many bugs, and poor showing on the market. The phones that were released with 7 have been discontinued since 2011. WinMob 8 came out last year (I was at the launch party), and it's a superb alternative to the iPhone for people who need an easy-to-navigate mobile OS.
3) As long as they don't discontinue support for Skype on Windows 7 pc, it's fine. The PC version of Win8 is an abortion. People won't be getting rid of Win7 for at least the next 6 years, since it can still be installed on a new PC (I recommend it).

I was going to say that except the part of I was there.




Believe me :-Cool/"

 

[Macho Man]

After reading all this I assume Skype is still free, correct?.

 

[ThePunisher]

After reading all this I assume Skype is still free, correct?.

Yes it is but with an attitude.

 

[dreamblade]

I was going to say that except the part of I was there.




Believe me :-Cool/"

Well, there WAS free beer.

 

[Trump]

It's hard to keep up with the constant change. I look at my cell phone today and it does so much more than the ones a few years ago.

Imagine what computers, phones and cars will be able to do ten years from now.

 

[Gooby]

Speaking of Windows Phone, I was playing around with my friend's Nokia 1020 and it was a really slick phone. I'm thinking of picking one up in the future as my daily driver.

 

[Creepy]

:slap:

 

[Transient]

It's hard to keep up with the constant change. I look at my cell phone today and it does so much more than the ones a few years ago.

Imagine what computers, phones and cars will be able to do ten years from now.

What they have always done...get porn.