microsoft announced Sunset Skype on the last day of February. By the time Death Knell paid, the video chat software that once revolutionized communications has become a ghost of its former self. Experts yelled half-baked tributes for the platform Microsoft has spent years neglecting, but few were surprised.
“The fact that Skype has been integrated into other Microsoft platforms, and that it has been redesigned to resemble other Microsoft Solutions, or included in user bundled commercial products, also clearly shows that Microsoft has long decided to discontinue the service despite user losses.” University of London.
But for long-awaited users of Skype, and those who have stopped it, yet still thought it was nostalgia, the coming end of Skype, which will be closed on May 5th, is a moment worthy of approval. Skype was a reminder of a bygone era and a source of inspiration for many. When there were few affordable means of making international appeals, it promoted relations across the ocean.
One nostalgic Guardian leader composed the song based on the familiar Skype ring. Michael Frischkop, professor at the University of Albert School of Music and director of the Canadian Centre for Ethnomusicology, created a Skype theme song and a short symphony in 2020. “It was originally for film scores (although it was never used that way),” Frishkopf wrote in an email.
“Skype has always been a tool to connect from isolation and it surprised me that many people probably associate it with being far from their loved ones,” Frishkopf said. “That Skype ringtone, I don't know who made it, but it has a kind of oddity. It can go either way, major or minor, either way. Likewise, it may sound happy or sad. It can represent sadness that longs for someone and the joy that connects with them. [Skype] It can cause a sense of loss for people because it is permanently declining.”
Skyping (orchestra)
Michael Frishkopf
Inspired by Frishkopf's email, the Guardian asked readers to share their Skype memories. What they explained in touch with the tribute was technology that allowed parents to connect with their children, and startup founders to communicate across the ocean and the time zone, allowing two proposals.
Melanie Hegger. Photo: Melany Heger
A mother at home who has found a new career
I used Skype extensively as a way to contact clients when I had an intermediate career shift. It was 2019 and I started working again. I spent 10 years as a full-time mom. Before I started working online, I felt it was impossible to work and stay home for my kids. I can say that Skype has opened up a world of possibilities for me.
– Melanie Heger of Manila, Philippines
A couple that I proposed to date on Skype
Holly and her husband's wedding band Photo: Holly
I proposed to my Swedish husband and to my Swedish husband using sticky notes. We got married on 5-5-15. Skype will terminate the service on the same day. It's so sad, I especially liked it because it was from my husband's hometown Sweden. Skype played a major role in our lives to maintain our connections while we were dating.
– Holly, Iowa
www.theguardian.com
