Apps
Skype is shutting down in May, transitions to Microsoft Teams
Chat history is still salvageable
It’s time for the end of an era. Then again, if we’re being honest, you might not have known that the era was still alive today. After decades of connecting people through the app, Microsoft has announced that Skype will shut down in May.
As a Filipino child of an OFW, the sound of Skype’s ringtone is forever engraved into my brain. Back in the day, Skype was one of the easiest ways to call people abroad. It was second only to Yahoo! Messenger.
As time crept on, the app was slowly overtaken by competing teleconferencing services. Microsoft bought the service but was unable to turn the app’s fortunes around. Most recently, the ailing app fell prey to larger-scale services that could support calls between so many more users, such as Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft’s own Teams.
Over the weekend, Microsoft, through an announcement on X, has shared that Skype is shutting down in May. Starting that month, users will no longer be able to use the service.
It’s part of a gradual transition to Microsoft Teams. In fact, users who want to salvage their chat and call histories on Skype can log in to Teams using their Skype accounts to transfer them over to the newer service.
Microsoft Teams functions in much the same way as Skype. Through the free account, users can call others and host meetings on the platform. It also incorporates many of the popular teleconferencing features offered by Zoom and Google Meet today.
In that way, Skype just seems obsolete. It’s sunsetting comes as no surprise. For what it’s worth, its iconic ringtone will always live on, albeit as a fossil of a distant past.
SEE ALSO: Zoom adds new products, features for better collaboration
Apps
Meta adds subscriptions for Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp
Is your wallet buckling from the weight of so many subscription services? Well, Meta has a trio of new subscriptions for you to sink your hard-earned cash towards. If you have a few dollars, here’s Facebook Plus, Instagram Plus, and WhatsApp Plus.
All three subscriptions are designed to add new features which can enhance the experience for those who practically live on these apps. Among the three, Instagram Plus is the meatiest. It offers users the ability to view other people’s Stories without showing up as a viewer, create more tailored audiences outside of Close Friends, and extend the duration of a Story beyond 24 hours, among others.
Since it shares similarities with Instagram, Facebook Plus offers much of the same features. WhatsApp Plus, however, offers more customization options including new themes, ringtones, and stickers.
If that’s not enough, Meta has also released a new subscription system for Meta AI. Though the basic use of the AI is still free, the new Meta One Plus and Meta One Premium plans offer more capacity and performance for power users. The company is also testing new creator-focused plans, Meta One Essential and Meta One Advanced.
Of course, the new AI-based plans are more focused on those who actually use the AI software. Meanwhile, the three app plans are more for regular users. Facebook Plus and Instagram Plus will cost US$ 3.99 per month. Meanwhile, WhatsApp Plus will cost US$ 2.99 per month.
SEE ALSO: Instagram takes on Snapchat yet again with new Instants feature
Apps
Meta quietly launches Forum app for Facebook Groups
The app highlights discussions from Facebook Groups.
Since the rise of other platforms, Facebook Groups haven’t enjoyed as much popularity anymore. Despite this (or maybe even to help with this), Meta has unleashed an all-new app called Forum.
Designed specifically with Facebook Groups in mind, Forum collates discussions from Groups that the user might be interested in. Much like the websites of the same name from the 2000s, the app wants to feature conversations, rather than canned content that the algorithm shoves towards users on the main Facebook feed.
Users can also ask questions. Forum will sift through real discussions to find an answer. The closest analog today is searching Reddit for troubleshooting questions to get answers based on human experience. The main feed of the new app, however, feels more in tune with Quora’s concept.
That said, it’s a refreshing way to bring social media back to human-made feeds. It’s also a stark admission that the main Facebook feed (and, frankly, Instagram too) is just too inundated with content that users are not interested in.
Lately, Instagram also made the same admission by launching its own “lightweight” app called Instants. Like Forum, Instants was made to recapture the essence of Instagram before the rise of the almighty algorithm.
Forum, however, was launched with much less fanfare than Instants. There was no announcement. Rather, it’s just a casual drop from out of nowhere. The app is available now on the App Store and the Play Store.
SEE ALSO: Instagram takes on Snapchat yet again with new Instants feature
Apps
Apple Sports: Free app expands globally ahead of World Cup
Personalized, intuitive experience to get fans ready for the World Cup
Apple has expanded the availability of its free Apple Sports iPhone app to more than 90 new countries and regions.
This brings the app’s total global footprint to over 170 markets. The massive expansion comes just weeks before the kickoff of the 2026 FIFA World Cup this June.
It only means the standalone app is positioned as the primary real-time tracking fan for millions of football fans worldwide.
The rollout shifts Apple’s strategy toward global sports integration by providing the utility completely free of charge on the App Store.
A massive influx of international users are expected to use the app, as it provides a more direct experience — eliminating the need for third-party score tracking platforms.
As part of the personalized, real-time FIFA World Cup coverage, the app is introducing dedicated tournament features.
This includes allowing users to explore group stage standings, follow specific national teams, and view the current bracket through tournament bracket view.
In addition, visual formations for each team’s starting lineup will be provided ahead of every match.
Apple Sports is also tailored for those who have an entire ecosystem of Apple devices. The app can deliver real-time updates directly to a user’s iPhone Lock Screen and Apple Watch.
Fans can further add widgets to their iPhone, iPad, and MacBook Home Screens, and jump easily into the Apple TV app with a single tap to find live matches.
-
Reviews2 weeks agoThe Infinix GT 50 Pro has the most inspired design for a gaming phone
-
Accessories2 weeks agoThe UGREEN Nexode Air 65W is the only charger I travel with now
-
Accessories2 weeks agoUGREEN unveils pocket-sized Nexode and MagFlow Air Editions
-
Accessories2 weeks agoUGREEN MagFlow Air review: Airy Yet Mighty
-
Accessories2 weeks agoCASETiFY x Tamagotchi brings back nostalgia
-
Accessories2 weeks agoJBL marks 80th anniversary with AI-powered audio ecosystem
-
Health2 weeks agoSpring reset: Growing more at home with Auk Mini
-
Automotive2 weeks agoGAC Aion UT brings big car energy to the compact segment
