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Microsoft: Just Kidding, Skype Classic Is Sticking Around

'Based on customer feedback, we are extending support for Skype 7 (Skype classic) for some time,' Microsoft wrote on its community forum. 'Our customers can continue to use Skype classic until then.'

Angela Moscaritolo
 & Angela Moscaritolo Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

Our team tests, rates, and reviews more than 1,500 products each year to help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.

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Good news, Skype users. Microsoft heard your complaints about Skype 8 and has decided to re-think its plans to end support for Skype 7 (aka Skype classic).

The reversal comes after the software giant last month rolled out Skype 8, an updated version of the chat platform, and said it would end Skype 7 support on Sept. 1. Now, that plan has changed.

"Based on customer feedback, we are extending support for Skype 7 (Skype classic) for some time," Microsoft wrote on its community forum. "Our customers can continue to use Skype classic until then."

The software giant didn't specify what, exactly, it means by "some time." But, at least for now, fans of Skype Classic can breathe a sigh of relief.

Launched on July 16, Skype 8 offers new features such as a chat media gallery that lets you find files, links, and photos shared in a conversation; @ mentions; customizable themes; and the ability to "express your feeling through emoticons during video calls or by reacting to messages in conversations."

While Microsoft says it offers "the look and feel of Skype you love" many users disagree. Since it was released, Skype have flocked to Microsoft's community forum to complain about Skype 8 and beg the company to continue supporting Skype 7.

"Since the latest upgrade ... I cannot help but be incredibly frustrated," one user wrote on July 21. "The audio/video controls have been stripped and I cannot make necessary adjustments according to the environment I am in. The picture is grainy and blown up which leaves the opposing party out of proportions and unable to be seen clearly. The users on the other end see the same as me - half of me at best."

Other users have complained that the Skype 8 interface "is not user friendly," and you can't copy and paste a string of messages, search your chat history, or jump to an old chat conversation like you can in Skype 7.

"Skype 8 is the most abyssmal [sic] UI I've ever seen in a so called 'improved' version of Skype," one user wrote. "Why can't we keep Skype Classic?'

Fortunately, Microsoft listened to those users and Skype 7 will live on for the time being.

About Our Expert

Angela Moscaritolo

Angela Moscaritolo

Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

My Experience

I'm PCMag's managing editor for consumer electronics, overseeing an experienced team of analysts covering smart home, home entertainment, wearables, fitness and health tech, and various other product categories. I have been with PCMag for more than 10 years, and in that time have written more than 6,000 articles and reviews for the site. I previously served as an analyst focused on smart home and wearable devices, and before that I was a reporter covering consumer tech news. I'm also a yoga instructor, and have been actively teaching group and private classes for nearly a decade. 

Prior to joining PCMag, I was a reporter for SC Magazine, focusing on hackers and computer security. I earned a BS in journalism from West Virginia University, and started my career writing for newspapers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

The Technology I Use

My little Florida beach bungalow is brimming with smart home tech. I have a smart speaker or display in every room, allowing me to control other connected devices by voice. The Nest Hub on my bedside table lets me set wake-up alarms, control my smart light bulbs, and set the temperature on my smart thermostat. I use the Amazon Echo Show 8 on my kitchen counter to browse recipes, reorder protein powder, check the weather, and watch the news while I do dishes. 

Because I suffer from allergies, air purifiers are essential. My favorite model is the Dyson Purifier Cool TP07, which doubles as a fan and continuously sends indoor pollution data to its companion mobile app. 

My pitbull Bradley sheds, so a good robot vacuum is a must. I currently use a premium Ecovacs Deebot that can both vacuum and mop, empty its own dustbin, and wash its own mop cloth. 

For fitness, I like to mix up my routine with cycling, indoor rowing, running, and strength training in addition to yoga. I take classes on the Tonal 2 smart strength training machine, I row indoors on an Aviron machine, and track my beach runs with an Apple Watch while listening to music on my Apple AirPods Pro. On the weekends, I love riding e-bikes like the rugged, beach-friendly Aventon Aventure for fun and fitness.

My job involves a lot of virtual meetings, so a quality webcam, microphone, and ring light are important. I use the Jabra PanaCast 20 webcam, the Elgato Wave: 3 microphone, and a Yesker tripod ring light. 

As for my preferred phone platform, I'm an iPhone person, but I've also extensively used Android for product testing.

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