History of Skype:
Skype, a widely known communication platform, has come a long way since its inception in 2003. It was created by three developers: Janus Friis, Niklas Zennström, and Ahti Heinla, with the goal of providing an easy and affordable way for people to communicate over long distances. Today, Skype is one of the most widely used communication platforms in the world, with over 40 million active daily users. In this article, we will explore the history of Skype and how it has evolved over the years to become one of the leading communication platforms.
The Beginning of Skype
Skype was originally created as a peer-to-peer (P2P) communication platform, which allowed users to make voice and video calls to other Skype users for free. At the time, other communication platforms such as traditional telephone systems and instant messaging apps were expensive and not as user-friendly. Skype’s founders recognized this gap and saw an opportunity to create a more affordable and user-friendly platform for communication.
Skype’s Rise to Popularity
Skype’s popularity quickly grew in the early days, thanks to its free calling feature and its ability to work across different platforms. The application was available on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, and soon it was available on smartphones and tablets as well. The introduction of video calls in 2006 further boosted its popularity, and soon Skype became a go-to platform for long-distance communication.
Skype’s acquisition by Microsoft
In 2011, Microsoft acquired Skype for $8.5 billion, and under Microsoft’s ownership, the company continued to develop and improve the platform. One of the key updates was the integration of Skype with other Microsoft products such as Office, Outlook, and Xbox. This helped to make Skype more accessible to a wider audience, as users were able to make video calls and chat directly from their email or office documents.
Skype for Business and Teams
In 2013, Microsoft introduced Skype for Business, a separate app specifically designed for businesses. The app includes features such as screen sharing, recording, and integration with Office 365, making it a valuable tool for businesses to communicate and collaborate with their employees and clients. In 2017, Microsoft introduced another version of Skype, called Teams, that aimed to further enhance collaboration by integrating with Microsoft Office and other tools like OneNote, SharePoint, Planner and more.
Skype’s current status
Skype remains one of the most widely used communication platforms, and Microsoft continues to update the app with new features and improvements. Today, Skype offers a wide range of features, including free and paid calling, instant messaging, video conferencing, and screen sharing, making it a versatile platform for personal and professional communication.
Expanding on additional features of Skype:
Skype has many useful features that make it a powerful communication tool, here are a few more features that are worth mentioning:
Skype Translator: Skype has built-in translation feature that allows users to communicate with people who speak different languages. This feature uses Microsoft’s machine learning-based technology to translate speech in real-time, making it possible for people to communicate across language barriers. This feature is available on Skype for Windows, Windows 10, and the Skype Translator app.
Skype on Smart TVs: Skype also allows users to make video calls on smart TVs, which is a great way to stay in touch with friends and family while watching TV. This feature is available on selected smart TVs, and users can use their TV remote to make and receive calls.
Skype Credit and Subscriptions: Skype allows users to make calls to landlines and mobile phones through its paid service, Skype Credit. This service allows users to pay for a fixed amount of credit that can be used to make calls to phone numbers around the world. Additionally, Skype also offers subscriptions that provide additional features such as voicemail and call forwarding, at a monthly fee.
Skype for Web:
Skype for Web is a feature that allows users to make and receive calls and messages from any browser, without the need to install the Skype application. This feature allows users to access Skype from any device, and it also includes many of the features of the desktop app, such as video and voice calls, instant messaging and screen sharing.
Skype bots Skype has also introduced bots to the platform. The bots can provide users with information and services such as weather reports, news updates, and more. These bots can be accessed by simply chatting with them in Skype and can be quite helpful in certain scenarios.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Skype is a versatile communication platform that has evolved over the years. The platform has built-in translation, SmartTV integration, paid services and also integrates with other tools. The ability to make calls and messages from any browser with Skype for Web, and the addition of bots, have made it an even more powerful tool for personal and professional communication. With the Microsoft’s continued investment in the platform, Skype is likely to continue to evolve and provide new and innovative features to its users.
Skype has come a long way since its early days as a P2P communication platform. Its founders recognized a gap in the market for an easy and affordable way for people to communicate, and they were able to fill that gap with Skype. The platform has continued to evolve over the years, and today, it’s one of the most widely used communication platforms in the world. With its acquisition by Microsoft, Skype has been integrated into other products, making it more accessible to users, and with its different versions like Skype for Business and Teams, it has become an essential tool for businesses to communicate and collaborate with their employees and clients.
