Microsoft Extends Deadline for Skype Classic After Negative Feedback, Will Not End Support on September 1

Microsoft revamped its Skype desktop variant last month, introducing new features like group calls for up to 24 people and other improvements. At that time, Microsoft announced that the latest version will be the only one that will work for all users moving forward, and that Skype v7.0 or Skype Classic will cease to exist from September 1. Microsoft recommended all users to upgrade to Skype 8.0 as soon as possible. However, after disgruntled feedback from customers, Microsoft has now announced that it is extending support for Skype Classic for some time.

After the arrival of Skype v8.0, many users started posting negative feedback on Microsoft's forum complaining of many missing features, with some even calling the new update 'appalling'. Microsoft finally replied to one of the threads, stating, "Based on customer feedback, we are extending support for Skype 7 (Skype classic) for some time. Our customers can continue to use Skype classic until then." Microsoft also notes that the company is working on bringing all the missing features to Skype 8, and is keeping a close eye on customer feedback.

Skype v8.0 comes with features like free HD video and screensharing (group) calls that could bring together over 24 people at once, message reactions, "@mentions" to send individual notifications in a group chat, a chat media gallery and an option to share up to 300MB of pictures and videos at a time over Skype. Microsoft said that it also bringing many more new features, and upcoming features include read receipts, end-to-end encrypted Skype audio calls and text messages (using the Signal Protocol) with hidden notifications, cloud-based video call recordings with notification for everyone present during the call, profile invites, and group links.

If you wish to upgrade to v8.0, users need to visit Help > Check for Updates. Alternatively, they can visit the Skype download page.