Microsoft Kills Skype’s Snapchat Clone Because No One Actually Used It

Microsoft just announced a number of changes the company is rolling out to restore Skype’s simplicity and familiarity. When the company introduced the modern Skype, it introduced radical changes that turned the app into an actual, modern app. But of course, that didn’t really work too well with some of Skype’s classic users.

Although Microsoft has made numerous changes to the modern Skype to work better for all users, there were still a bunch of things in the app that no one really needed. And one of that was Highlights — it was a complete clone of Snapchat where you could post pictures/videos that last for a limited time. Unlike other Snapchat clones like Instagram Stories, no one actually used Skype Highlights. I believe I was the only one to ever post on Skype Highlights, and that too was just a troll. But if you happen to be a Skype Highlights user, you will apparently be able to download all the Highlights you have posted on Skype, for backup purposes.

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Killing Skype Highlights is a big, but expected move from Redmond. By removing Skype Highlights, Microsoft is making Skype on mobile much simpler. The navigation has been drastically improved, now only consisting of Chats, Calls, and Contacts — the three core parts of Skype. Along with Highlights, Microsoft’s also removed the Capture button which opened the Skype camera — another useless feature that was already accessible from within chats.

On the desktop, Microsoft has made changes to make Chats, Calls, and Contacts increasingly prominent, making it easy for “long-term Skype users to understand.” These changes are being introduced just after Microsoft announced it will kill the classic Skype, and then ended up backtracking, following complaints from classic Skype users. The company now says it is tweaking the colours and the UI of the modern Skype to improve readability and contrast.

All these new changes are available with Skype 8.29 across all platforms.

Microsoft is yet to announce when exactly it will formerly kill Skype Classic, but these changes suggest the move isn’t far away. Either way, the modern Skype should be much more bearable than ever before, so at least now you’ll have to deal with fewer problems if you are a classic Skype user.

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Conversation 12 comments

  • rseiler

    31 August, 2018 - 5:46 pm

    <p>These changes do not amount to "much more bearable." Slightly fewer problems, yes, but there are so, so many remaining, basic things that simply can't be done in modern Skype or must be done instead in absurd ways.</p>

  • dupond91

    31 August, 2018 - 5:49 pm

    <p>Skype highlights were not an exact clone of Snapchat stories. Highlights were available for seven days, and you also had to accept followers before they were allowed to see your Highlights</p>

  • obarthelemy

    01 September, 2018 - 12:14 am

    <p>Do you know if they have any plans to</p><p>A) have widgets </p><p>B) make it launch faster (on Android)</p><p><br></p><p>I've been corralling my whole family to Skype for a decade, but I'm getting increasing pushback on these 2 issues.</p><p><br></p><p>Also, SMS Sync, anytime ?</p>

    • Jeff Fodiak

      02 September, 2018 - 12:13 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#312639">In reply to obarthelemy:</a></em></blockquote><p>Fully agree… The load time and sync time on Android is abysmal and makes me want to switch to WhatsApp or signal completely. Battery killer too. </p>

  • obarthelemy

    01 September, 2018 - 12:21 am

    <p> Also… That's a "pro" bio picture ? I would have used a different one from my tinder/grinder pic, back in my day. And not booked David Hamilton to shoot it.</p><p><br></p><p>Am I *that* out of touch, or are speedo bio pics coming next ?</p>

  • ianhead

    01 September, 2018 - 6:26 am

    <p>Little by little, oh so gradually, the Skype team seems to be finally getting their act together. </p>

  • SenorGravy

    01 September, 2018 - 11:59 am

    <p>I don't understand why Microsoft hasn't focused on making Skype a kick ass iMessage/Facetime competitor. This should be the de-facto way to communicate on every Android phone.</p>

  • lefffen1

    02 September, 2018 - 5:13 am

    <p>Too little, too late..</p>

  • beq

    02 September, 2018 - 11:36 am

    <p>This is a good move…</p><p><br></p><p>But I'm still confused on the Windows 10 situation?</p><p><br></p><p>Is the UWP app (12.x) from the Store still the end goal, or has development now moved to the new 8.x desktop installer available on skype.com (to replace the classic 7.x)?</p>

  • will

    Premium Member
    02 September, 2018 - 2:48 pm

    <p>What a mess…no wonder people don’t trust Microsoft. Here today, gone tomorrow, back next week, gone a few months later. </p>

  • straker135

    Premium Member
    02 September, 2018 - 5:55 pm

    <p>Thanks for the info Mehedi, just a minor edit in the last paragraph </p><p>formerly = previously, formally = officially </p>

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