Microsoft has confirmed Skype will drop support for Windows Phone 8 and 8.1 in October, leaving more than 80% of its user base behind.
Is this the equivalent of shooting yourself in the foot? We’re left to think so. Microsoft has confirmed that its famous instant messaging and calling app – Skype – will abandon Windows Phone 8 and 8.1 in October in favour of Windows 10 Mobile.
The news comes a shock to the majority of Windows Phone users, nearly 80% of whom make use of Windows Phone 8.1 instead of the latest version of Redmond’s mobile operating system.
Read: Microsoft posts revenue of $20.6 billion USD in its fourth quarter
The development comes as part of Skype’s transition from peer-to-peer communications to a cloud-based service.
So only 10.9% of windows phones will be able to use Skype starting October 2016… @SkypeSupport,think about it! pic.twitter.com/6tSyeLUeBf
“” Rudy Huyn (@RudyHuyn) July 20, 2016
Considering the entire user base of Windows Phone, the news will see Microsoft abandon some 89.1% of its total user base and serve the 10.9% that actively use Windows 10 Mobile.
While Windows Phone has fallen to under a 1% share of the entire smartphone market, Microsoft hasn’t won any fans by leaving some of its most committed users behind.
Previously, Microsoft executed the same manoeuvre with Skype on Windows Phone 7, where it dragged the app off the platform in an effort to entice users aboard Windows Phone 8 and later 8.1.
However, it’s not clear as to whether the move will be as successful this time around. Microsoft has largely written off its mobile venture and is rumoured to be developing a Surface Phone to complement its lineup of hybrid tablets and laptops.
The news arrived in conjunction with the fact that support will cease for Skype on Android versions older than 4.0.3, and iOS installations older than iOS 8.
Read: Microsoft reportedly preps the Surface Pro 5 and Surface Book 2 for launch
What are your thoughts on the news that Microsoft will cease Skype support for Windows 8 and 8.1? Be sure to let us know your opinion in the comments below!
Follow Bryan Smith on Twitter: @bryansmithSA
