Although, Microsoft is pushing forward with its universal apps model, it appears that not every modern app in its portfolio will survive. According to a new article from the official Skype blog, Microsoft will soon be retiring its Skype modern app available designed for Windows 8.
Currently, the software maker is offering a touch-friendly Skype app for Windows 8 and a separate version for Windows 8 and Windows 7 computers, but today the company is announcing that will be removing the touch-first version of the app, in favor of an updated desktop version of the popular voice and video service. Furthermore, on July 7th, Microsoft will be pushing a new update to move users from the modern app to desktop version of Skype.
“With the upcoming release of Windows 10 for PCs, it makes sense to use the Skype application optimized for mouse and keyboards use, capable of doing touch as well rather than 2 separate applications performing the same function.” Skype’s Aga Guzik explains.
For the next version of the operating system, Microsoft is working to use Skype as the service driving the new Messaging app, very similar to what Apple is doing with iMessage.
Back in January, the company showed the new messaging app for the first time, but no more details have been unveiled up until now. However, keep in mind that on July 7, Microsoft will be simply pushing out the traditional desktop version of Skype.
Later this year, Microsoft will be rolling out the beta version of the new app, so that testers can send feedback. While there isn’t a specific date, we can safely assume that it won’t happen before July 29th, which is the launch date of Windows 10 for PCs.
It would appear that the company has a lot on its plate, as it will be releasing a new Skype app for Windows that won’t be universal for the time being. One of the reasons could be that Microsoft is waiting for more people to upgrade to Windows 10 to avoid cutting users off from the service, just because maintaining two separate apps may not fit on the budget, but in time, we’re likely to see a universal version of Skype.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].