Microsoft Retiring Older Versions of Skype for Mac

Friday June 20, 2014 10:12 PM PDT by Richard Padilla
skypelogo.jpg Microsoft announced today via Computerworld) that it will be dropping support for older versions of Skype on Mac and Windows over the next few months to make way for newer editions.

Specifically, Skype for Mac 6.14 and below will be retired in the near future, as Microsoft noted that users will no longer be able to sign into the service until they upgrade to the latest version of Skype. Skype for Mac 6.14 was originally released in February, with Skype for Mac 6.18 being the most recent release.

In April, Skype made group video calling free for Mac, PC and Xbox One users, and also launched a redesigned iPhone app earlier this month that featured a streamlined design and improved performance.

Skype for Mac can be downloaded for free from the service's official website. The application requires Mac OS X Snow Leopard and above in addition to a compatible webcam.

131 comments


Top Rated Comments

(View all)
Avatar
richard.mac
64 months ago
Oh great :( I am not impressed.

The following is how I want my Skype setup. A simple contact list on the right of my screen, for starting quick conversations and calls.

This is Skype version 2.8. With the newer Skype versions, you cannot achieve window placement as simple as this.

Rating: 16 Votes
Avatar
xplora
64 months ago
It needs to be noted, Skype 6.18 requires OS X 10.9 Mavericks. While 6.15 will work as far back as Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard
Rating: 13 Votes
Avatar
viizi
64 months ago
dis not gun be gud!

----------

Why is this news MacRumors?


since a lot of mac users opt to use skype 3.2 or something because they don't like the bloated new UI since 5.0. They will no longer be able to use their pre microsoft release and be forced to upgrade to the bloat version. Macrumors are just creating a thread for the *****torm to follow :) Might be a good idea in case any Skype devs are cruising these forums since we can't vote with our wallet, have to vote with our flames. I personally use the latest version though :P
Rating: 11 Votes
Avatar
wikiverse
64 months ago
I agree. Skype 2.8 reached perfection for a chat client. Compact, floating windows that could be easily moved around your screen allowing you to multitask and txt chat with multiple people - even while on a video call with someone.

The easiest solution around being forced to upgrade is simply to abandon Skype.

I used to use Skype daily, and constantly throughout the day. I updated about 5 months ago and I think I've opened the program twice since then but haven't chatted or made a call with anyone. I send a lot more SMS/imessages and make more phone calls now so I can keep working in the background and communicate with multiple people at once.
Rating: 8 Votes
Avatar
richard.mac
64 months ago

Why all the complaining. Skype is discontinuing support for the program. It didn't say the program will be turned off and you can't use it. 't will still work on your old machines.


Microsoft clarified the situation. "Once a version is retired, users will no longer be able to sign into the retired version until they upgrade to the latest version of Skype," a Microsoft spokesperson said in an email reply to questions.


^
Rating: 8 Votes
Avatar
PocketSand11
64 months ago
Skype 2.8's UI sounds like that of iChat/Messages, by far the best chat client software I've ever seen. It's a shame that Microsoft had to mess with it.
Rating: 7 Votes
Avatar
JosephAW
64 months ago
Excuse me MS. How am I suppose to communicate with my friends overseas who are using Skype on their G5 and G4 Macintosh computers? We CAN'T upgrade to a newer version! Is MS dropping support for Skype for Windows XP? Thoses systems are older than my G5! Version 2.8 is the version of Skype we like best on the old G3 system.
Are they going to refund our skype in and out money we purchased in order to call land lines from our computers?
Rating: 7 Votes
Avatar
Pakaku
64 months ago

Oh great :( I am not impressed.

The following is how I want my Skype setup. A simple contact list on the right of my screen, for starting quick conversations and calls.

This is Skype version 2.8. With the newer Skype versions, you cannot achieve window placement as simple as this.


I dunno about you, but if no one pointed it out earlier...



The sidebar in the chat window can also be hidden. This is the latest version, and I can still set it up the same way you did.
Rating: 7 Votes
Avatar
g-7
64 months ago

It's a shame that Microsoft had to mess with it.


The Skype UI has been destroyed before Microsoft bought them. So it's not MS fault, they just continue the previous flawed approach.
Rating: 6 Votes
Avatar
roadbloc
64 months ago
Damn. Version 2.8 was the last decent version for Mac. And also the last one to be able to run on PowerPC I think.

This premature dropping of support is most unlike you Microsoft. Consider me disappointed.
Rating: 6 Votes
[ Read All Comments ]