As Skype prepares to close its doors, a community of users is finding new ways to navigate memories of loved ones through the platform’s conversations.
The Rise of Skype
Before the days of Zoom, WhatsApp, and Teams, Skype held a unique place in people’s hearts. Launched in 2003, it enabled free computer-to-computer calls and later became a popular platform for low-cost international calls.
The Power of Long-Distance Romance
The Power of Long-Distance Romance
Skype played a crucial role in the blossoming long-distance relationship between Weng and Owen Williams. The couple met over Skype when Weng was on a six-month internship in Wales, and their daily video chats kept them connected despite the distance. They even shared a birthday cake over Skype, with Owen cutting it live for Weng.
Weng credits Skype as the glue that held their long-distance relationship together: ‘Skype just kept us going.‘ The couple got engaged and eventually married, thanks in part to the platform’s help.
Finding Closure After Loss
For Erica from New Zealand, Skype took on a new role after her husband’s passing. She used the service to communicate with him while he was working abroad and later sent a posthumous message to his Skype address, which she claims brought her closure: ‘It helped me to move on. I believed it.‘
Erica is a given name of Greek origin, derived from the word 'eirēnē,', meaning peace.
In ancient Greece, Erica was associated with the goddess of peace and prosperity.
The name gained popularity in Europe during the Middle Ages and became a common name among royalty.
Today, Erica remains a popular given name globally, symbolizing serenity and tranquility.
Staying Connected Across the Globe
Skype has also enabled Susan Bertotti to maintain a close relationship with her 99-year-old mother Vera, who lives in England. They have spoken every day they are apart since 2003, sharing memories and experiences over video calls.
For Susan, Skype is more than just a platform – it’s a way of life: ‘Skype has given my mother and I the most wonderful close connection all these years.‘
The Business Side of Skype
Stan Calderwood, a businessman, relies on Skype for cheap international calls to communicate with clients in Canada. He expressed frustration at the service’s upcoming closure, which will leave him looking for new alternatives: ‘You can’t call everyone on WhatsApp, Zoom or Teams… You do have to call people on their mobiles and their landlines, particularly businesses.‘
As of March last year, Skype had almost 28 million users worldwide. But with Microsoft shifting its focus to Teams, the free services will be retired, leaving users with a choice: move over to Teams or export their data.
The Legacy of Skype
Skype may be closing its doors, but its impact on people’s lives will be felt for years to come. As one user put it, ‘Skype as we know it is going – and with it, one of the most recognizable tech products of this century.‘
Skype is a video conferencing and communication platform developed by Microsoft.
Launched in 2003, it allows users to make voice and video calls, send messages, and share files with individuals or groups.
With over 300 million monthly active users, Skype has become a popular tool for personal and professional communication.
Its features include group conversations, screen sharing, and live translation.
Skype is available on desktop, mobile, and web platforms, making it accessible from anywhere in the world.
