Group video calling was made free by Microsoft back in April 2014 on the Windows app, Mac OS X, and the Xbox One console. After launching a studio-focused Skype TX version and free group chat updates for the Windows and Mac versions, Skype 4.0 for TV has now just been released for Samsung Smart TVs with free group video chat capabilities. “No-one ever got used to using a big screen for Skype because they never needed to – people are far more used to picking up a tablet and doing it that way – and I don’t think there’s a way back now.Following the acquisition of Skype by Microsoft, the software company continues to find new ways to expand the reach of their VoIP communications software. “But the ubiquity of mobile devices made video conferencing on TVs redundant. “On paper the idea of using a TV for things like Skype made a lot of sense – it’s a non-threatening device that people were already comfortable with, so it seemed a good way to get the tech into the living room,” People are more used to using their mobile phones to make callsĬhris Green, a technology analyst at the consultancy Lewis, was quoted by the BBC as saying: “We want to make sure we prioritize delivering the best possible experience to the platforms our users are asking for, which is why we’ve decided to focus our efforts in other areas while supporting key functionality on Skype for TV for as long as possible.” But over the years, users have changed the way they use Skype, with the majority accessing it from a mobile device – including when in the living room. “Since 2010, Skype has delivered a great calling experience in the living room in partnership with several TV manufacturers. Consumers simply prefer using their mobile phones to make video calls instead. Skype said in a statement: “Starting in June 2016, the Skype for TV application will no longer be supported there will be no updates to the application.”Īfter June 2016 “manufacturers may remove the Skype for TV application from some or all of their models.” Skype is ending support for its apps on Smart TVs. After that it will be up to TV manufacturers to decide whether they want to continue offering the service. The service will continue to be supported until June. The Microsoft-owned video calling service has decided to stop supporting its smart TV apps as consumers prefer to use mobile devices to make video calls, despite the size advantage offered by TVs.
Skype announced that it is ending support for its apps on smart TVs.
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