Technology

Microsoft sets May end date for Skype after 14-year run

Published

4 days ago

March 28, 2025

Microsoft sets May end date for Skype after 14-year run

Before there was Zoom, Skype was the dominant internet-based phone and video service for the masses. After 22 years of service (14 years under Microsoft), customers were shocked to learn that Microsoft has decided to discontinue Skype in May 2025.

That’s why “Pat’s” email prompted us to explore alternatives to Skype.

“Hello, apparently Microsoft is getting rid of Skype. We use Skype every weekend to communicate with our family in Ireland. Do you have recommendations for an alternative? Thanks.” — Pat, Commerce Township, Michigan

Though a bit unnerving for long-time Skype users, Microsoft is actually discontinuing Skype because of steep competition for the same type of service from the likes of Zoom and WhatsApp. While the change may be unwelcome, there are many options to choose from once Skype bows out.

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The company states on its website that “Your Skype data will be available until January 2026 for you to export or delete. If you log in to Microsoft Teams Free by then, your Skype call and chat history will be available to you. If you take no action, your Skype data will be deleted in January 2026.”

Below are the top alternatives to Skype, which will help you stay connected with people you care about personally and professionally, as well as how to export your contacts and other vital information off Skype.

A woman using Skype on a laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Top 6 Skype alternatives

While change can be challenging, it doesn’t have to be difficult with the following Skype alternatives listed below.

Microsoft Teams

With Microsoft discontinuing Skype to invest its attention and resources in Microsoft Teams, it is an easy transition from Skype. Microsoft Teams will allow you to sign in with your existing Skype credentials, making the transition easier. There is a free version of Microsoft Teams that Microsoft is encouraging its Skype users to utilize. Like Skype, it includes video calls and messaging. The benefit of signing up for Microsoft Teams is that your Skype contacts and message history will be automatically migrated to Microsoft Teams.

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A man using Skype on his laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

WhatsApp is a popular messaging app that has been around since 2009. It offers free voice and video calls with end-to-end encryption, giving your communication an added layer of protection. It also allows you to message with other users. Additionally, because it is used worldwide, WhatsApp is a great international communication tool.

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Google Meet

If you already use Google services such as Gmail and Google Calendar, Google Meet can be a seamless alternative to Skype. Google Meet is a free video-conferencing service that integrates Gmail and Google Calendar. With free plans available, you can include up to 100 participants on a video call.

Zoom

Zoom has become a regular fixture in the modern professional world. With a user-friendly interface and rich features, Zoom has been the top choice for video calls. Zoom offers free plans that allow for 40-minute video calls per call for up to 100 participants.

Signal

For those with concerns about privacy, Signal is a great alternative to Skype. It boasts end-to-end encryption on messages and video calls, which keeps your communications secure. Signal is an open-source service that allows users to send instant messages as well as voice and video calls.

Discord

While well-known among gamers, Discord has become a versatile communication tool. With free voice channels, screen sharing and low-latency audio (better audio quality), it has begun to stand out as a good group call option.

How to export contacts and messages from Skype

Though Microsoft will give you until January 2026 to export or delete your Skype contacts, chat and file history, it is best to log in and start the process now, as it can take a while for the company to fulfill your request.

To export contacts, follow these steps:

On your web browser, go to https://secure.skype.com/ and log into your Skype account using your username and password
On the main page, under Account detail, go to Setting and preferences
Click Export contacts
A dialog box will appear, then select where you want to save the file and click Save

Steps to export Skype contacts (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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To export conversations and files, follow these steps:

On your web browser, go to https://secure.skype.com/ and log into your Skype account using your username and password
On the main page, under Account detail, go to Setting and preferences
Click Export files and chat history
Under “Request a copy of your files and chat history,” check the boxes you want to download and click Submit request
Once the request has been processed, it will show up at the very top of the same page
To save, click Download

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Steps to export Skype conversations and files (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How to export your Skype data and import it into other video platforms

Before Skype officially shuts down May 27, 2025, it’s a smart move to save your data and prepare for a transition to another platform. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Export your Skype data

You can request a full download of your Skype chat history, call logs and other personal data.

Go to the Skype Export page: https://go.skype.com/export
Sign in with your Skype (Microsoft) account.
Choose what you’d like to download:Conversations: Chat logs, SMS and call recordsFiles: Photos, videos and documents shared via Skype
Conversations: Chat logs, SMS and call records
Files: Photos, videos and documents shared via Skype
Click Submit Request and wait for an email or download link to appear (may take hours or a few days depending on the volume).
Download the .ZIP file when ready and extract the contents to your device.

The exported messages are typically in a .tar or .json format, which can be opened with apps like Notepad, Excel or dedicated viewers.

Step 2: Import your info to a new platform

While Skype doesn’t offer a direct import tool for other platforms, here are a few ways to carry your info over:

Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Slack or WhatsApp:

Contacts: You can manually add contacts from your Skype export by copying their email addresses or phone numbers.
Chat History: Most platforms won’t allow direct import, but you can:Save your Skype conversations as PDF or text files for reference.Upload important conversations to cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox or OneDrive to keep them searchable and accessible.
Save your Skype conversations as PDF or text files for reference.
Upload important conversations to cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox or OneDrive to keep them searchable and accessible.

Using Skype Data on Microsoft Teams:

Since Teams is Microsoft’s recommended replacement for Skype, it’s the most seamless switch.
If your account is tied to Microsoft 365, your contacts may already sync to Teams.
Chat history doesn’t automatically migrate, but you can reference exported chats when setting up new Teams channels or chats.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

While Skype’s end on May 5, 2025, is sobering, the time to transition to an alternative platform is imperative so you can get set up and adjusted to continue communicating with others professionally and personally. Though the friendly and familiar sky-blue interface will be missed, there are several options that fill those big empty shoes that Skype will leave. Whether you prefer the ease of being able to migrate contacts and messages from Skype directly to Microsoft Teams or prefer the security of Signal, there is a bounty of options to keep you connected to loved ones across the globe.

Are you a Skype user? Are you planning on switching to one of the top Skype alternatives? Why or why not? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

OpenAI just raised another $40 billion round led by SoftBank

Published

4 hours ago

April 1, 2025

Press Room

OpenAI just raised another billion round led by SoftBank

OpenAI is set to receive $10 billion up front (SoftBank will invest $7.5 billion along with $2.5 billion “from an investor syndicate,“ according to Bloomberg). The remaining $30 billion is slated to arrive by year’s end, CNBC reported — but only if it officially converts into a for-profit company by then. If not, it reportedly stands to lose a quarter of the deal.

The funding comes just a few months after OpenAI announced Stargate, a $500 billion joint venture with backing from SoftBank, Oracle, and the Abu Dhabi fund MGX to build out massive AI datacenters over the next four years. The company has been in a full sprint lately: On Monday, CEO Sam Altman posted that OpenAI gained 1 million users in a single hour in large part thanks to a new feature called Images in ChatGPT that went viral due to its ability to produce Studio Ghibli inspired AI art. Altman also announced on Wednesday that the company would “release a powerful new open-weight language model with reasoning in the coming months.” The funding announcement claims that ChatGPT serves 500 million people every week.

Despite the explosive growth the startup has seen thanks to ChatGPT, it’s still burning a ton of cash. Bloomberg recently reported that the startup is expecting to earn $12.7 billion in revenue this year alone, which is a massive jump from the $3.7 billion it earned in annualized recurring revenue last year. Still, the report claims OpenAI doesn’t expect to be cash flow positive until 2029, when its projections predict a whopping $125 billion in revenue.

OpenAI’s funding announcement emphasized the startup’s goal of building “AGI that benefits all of humanity.” Altman has been clear that it’ll take a lot to pull this all off—compute, energy, global infrastructure, and yes, a staggering amount of cash. This round, the startup claims, brings it one step closer.

Technology

Tech startup, major airline partner to launch electric air taxi service

Published

5 hours ago

April 1, 2025

Press Room

Tech startup, major airline partner to launch electric air taxi service

Imagine skipping the gridlock and soaring over the English countryside, arriving at your destination in a fraction of the time. What sounds like a scene from a futuristic movie is about to become a reality in the U.K., thanks to a partnership between Joby Aviation, a California-based company, and Virgin Atlantic. They’re teaming up to introduce electric air taxis to the U.K., revolutionizing how people travel between airports and nearby cities. Let’s take a closer look at this development that could foreshadow the future of transportation here in the U.S.

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Electric air taxi (Joby Aviation) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Joby’s electric air taxi: A game changer for short flights

Joby Aviation’s innovative aircraft are at the heart of this transportation revolution. This electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft is designed for quick, efficient travel. The air taxi comfortably seats five, including the pilot, making it perfect for small groups or business travelers. It can reach impressive speeds of up to 200 mph, significantly reducing travel times. The aircraft features a range of 100 emissions-free miles on a single charge, which is a huge win for sustainability. Another key feature is its quiet operation, especially during takeoff and landing, making it much less disruptive than traditional helicopters.

Electric air taxi (Joby Aviation) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Virgin Atlantic joins the party

Virgin Atlantic’s involvement isn’t just about adding its name to the project; it’s a strategic move to enhance the entire customer experience. The airline will play a vital role in marketing the service to its customers, making it a seamless addition to their travel plans. Virgin Atlantic will also work closely with U.K. regulators to ensure the service meets all necessary safety standards. Furthermore, the airline will assist in developing the infrastructure needed for these air taxis to operate efficiently at major airports.

Electric air taxi (Joby Aviation) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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What this means for travelers (and eventually, maybe us)

If this takes off as planned, it could change the way people travel in the U.K., offering a glimpse of what might be possible stateside. Imagine drastically reducing travel times between airports and city centers, potentially saving hours on your journey. Booking a ride will be easy, likely through Virgin Atlantic’s app and website, integrating air taxi travel into existing travel arrangements. While the initial pricing is expected to be comparable to premium ground ridesharing options, the time saved could be well worth the cost.

Electric air taxi (Joby Aviation) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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The path to UK skies

While the vision is clear, there are still a few steps to take before these air taxis become a common sight. Joby needs to obtain validation from the UK Civil Aviation Authority, ensuring the aircraft meets the highest safety standards. A network of convenient landing locations needs to be established in major cities to make the service truly accessible. The exact launch date for the U.K. service is still under wraps, but the anticipation is definitely building.

Electric air taxi (Joby Aviation) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Kurt’s key takeaways

The partnership between Joby Aviation and Virgin Atlantic is a bold step towards a future where air travel is more accessible, sustainable and efficient. As this innovative service takes shape in the U.K., it sparks the imagination and raises the question: when will we see air taxis transforming the way we travel in the U.S.? It’s an exciting prospect and one that could reshape our cities and redefine the meaning of a quick commute.

Beyond the convenience, does the idea of flying in an air taxi make you excited, nervous or a little bit of both? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Technology

Max’s rebranded logo and colors look very HBO

Published

16 hours ago

March 31, 2025

Press Room

Warner Bros. Discovery introduced new branding for its Max streaming service yesterday, alongside announcing availability in Australia. Although still simply called Max, the service has traded its bright blue appearance for a monochromatic black-and-white color palette that’s more reminiscent of the iconic HBO logo. The new look has already been introduced on the streaming service’s user interface and social media channels, and will “continue to be rolled out on marketing material over the next few months,” according to Variety.

Max’s previously colorful branding was originally chosen to help promote the new service’s broader programming and make it appear more kid-friendly. “We all love HBO. And it’s a brand that has been built over five decades to be the edgy, groundbreaking trendsetter in entertainment for adults. But it’s not exactly where parents would most eagerly drop off their kids,” JB Perrette, president and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery’s global streaming and games, said during a Max launch event in 2023.

Yesterday’s rebrand, which appears to realign the streaming service with HBO, which is known for its more mature programming, “may help consumers associate the two brands with one another,” Variety speculates.