Microsoft
If you’ve used Microsoft’s Skype in the past few years, you’ve probably noticed that the user experience has been less than stellar due to the pervasiveness of ads in the software. Fortunately, that’s set to change in a new update coming to all platforms soon.
In the latest release notes for Skype Insider build 8.125, Product Manager Irene Namuganyi writes: “We're excited to announce that Skype is now ad-free! Our latest update removes all ads from Skype channels and the entire Skype platform, creating a smoother, cleaner, and more enjoyable user experience.”
While there used to be ads in the “today” section of the app, it will now be ad-free and only show relevant newsfeed content. There will also be no ads in conversation views.
Other notable features in the Skype update include improved AI image creation (you can now access the feature more directly from the chat window or top bar), improved user interface, and other improvements) and the introduction of OneAuth integration in the iOS app. (OneAuth was already supported on Skype for Android.)
Skype is not as popular as an online communication tool as it used to be, but it is still popular for international calling and still has quite a few users.
But this update is interesting in the broader context of Microsoft’s software strategy. Ads are popping up everywhere in Windows and other Microsoft experiences, like the Start menu. Anyone who uses Windows or Microsoft’s web services now is all too familiar with the company’s aggressive attempts to get users to adopt its Edge web browser or try its Copilot AI tool.
Does this Skype update represent a rollback of that approach to the company’s software business in response to criticism over a less-than-ideal user experience? We have no way of knowing, but it’ll be fun to see if you’re still a frequent Skype user.
